Before the Fellowship, I was in doubt on how to start an NGO

Written by Ekene May

‘one Life on this earth is all that we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be that at the very least, we are fools, if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can’

-Frederick Buechner

Before the Fellowship, I was low-key in doubt on how to actually go about starting an NGO, I knew I was passionate and wanted to give back to my nation and continent, and I wanted to give what I had, what I have; Arts, in its purest form. I started The Ekene May Arts Foundation, but it was mainly in my heart and on social media, nothing solid, but I also wanted to act as fast as I could, to make the first mural, titled Magic, for a public health centre and hope that, from there, things would fall into place and play themselves out.

I did not know the technicalities of starting an NGO, I also did not know if it was an idea that would work and be as effective as I would want it to be, especially because it was nothing like, a Girl Child Initiative, or Women Empowerment, or an Advocacy for Cancer or Mental Health, it was not the norm, but I knew deep down that I wanted to paint public spaces, to beautify and provide therapy, which I believe Arts, paintings on walls or on canvas or any surface, has the power to achieve and I did not think it would be that hard, to get the donations and the places to paint too. I knew the public spaces I wanted to paint, but still had doubts here and there, like, is it even worth it? Should I really do it? Does it make any sense at all? With time, I also had more questions; how much permission would I need, to get these public spaces to allow me paint a mural, for free. I did not think it would be any trouble at all. I did not know how to run or lead an NGO, but I wanted to start one and give back. I was passionate, but with no knowledge at all and I wanted some.

As soon as I saw the advert placement for this Fellowship, I just knew it was for me, because I had sought knowledge and had found it, lo and behold! I applied immediately.

‘The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn’t have been complete without you’

-Frederick Buechner

During the Fellowship, I opened my heart to all the teachings and panel discussions, learnt and am still learning the nitty-gritty of starting and leading a Non-profit. A major session that scared me was when we were taught about finances with Ann Esan and I really thought, ‘okay May, that’s it, let this go, how on earth will you pull this off?’. I did not know much Mathematics, I did not want to do any Mathematics, I just want to paint public spaces and for free. But, before the solid lesson on finances and all the registrations, there was also the need to start a non-profit, with knowledge and that passion was not enough, asking for permission from the communities we want to create change for, with Olorunfumni Adebayo (I thought her experience at Makoko was profound, especially when the women refused the classes she had painted for them in white, and how, she needed a skilled teacher, to teach in three languages at a time!).

I learnt how important it is to network, with Raquel Daniel, and one vital lesson was learning how to send chats or texts, ‘send in one breath and go straight to the point’ and that volunteering was also a good way to start. The need for structure with Kristine Sloan and how, there has to first of all, be an opening for a grant, before applications can be made and like when applying for jobs, to ensure that eligibility and every criteria is met, before applying, so it is not futile, with Samuel Alabi.

I was sure all of these teachings were for me and I loved it and even missed the days we had no webinars. I’d think, ‘oh my, I’m missing something, I should be in a class right now!’. Having the sessions have become second nature, a go-to place for me, to rest and learn, absorb so much actual and accurate information and for free and I love it.

I still had doubts about my idea though, because it was not as rock-solid, as advocating for Mental Health or Teenagers.

This doubt got erased after the session with Isioma Oleleh, where she taught mainly about Purpose and how it is connected to Social Impact. From her very first story about a man who solved money problems for his community in India, to speaking about Dr Ben Carson and how his talents and gifts made him carry out the first separation of Siamese twins, I knew my gifts, my ideas and talents, were valid. I knew it was okay to have such an idea, and the truth is, it is what I have got, Arts, what I am truly passionate about and want to freely give back, to the society.

‘Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meet the world’s greatest need’

-Frederick Buechner

This particular session, helped me realize, my ideas and dreams are worthy and that, it was not going to be so hard at all. There will be ups and downs as with starting any new path, but I would stay on it, provide therapy, beautify spaces, teach people to paint, inspire even more people to becomes artists too. I believe there is so much power in staring at a painting, instead of blank walls and what it does to the mind and the soul is immeasurable.

It made me go back to the class about finances and I thought, I would get all the registrations done, it would not be a one-time thing, slowly but surely, I would eventually lead the NGO, but before then, I would start work regardless. I would start with painting, as an Initiative and build up, until I can get it all together. Besides, in the panel discussion with Dr(s) Mohammed Saleh, Victor Anyebe and Martin Livinus, I learnt it is okay to start small and build up.