Back to: History Primary 2
Hello, my amazing young learner! How are you feeling today? I hope you’re ready to hear about a very special woman who helped change the lives of many people in Nigeria. Have you ever heard of Mary Slessor? She was a kind and brave woman who saved the lives of many twins in Nigeria. Let’s learn her incredible story together!
Mary Slessor – The Woman Who Saved Twins in Nigeria
Imagine you and your twin were born in a time when some people believed twins were bad luck. Scary, right? Well, long ago in some parts of Nigeria, people believed that twins were evil spirits, and they abandoned or even harmed them. But one woman stood up and said, “This is wrong!” That woman was Mary Slessor, and she worked hard to save twins and change people’s beliefs.
Mary Slessor was born in 1848 in Scotland, a country far away from Nigeria. She grew up in a poor family but was very determined to learn. When she became older, she decided to travel to Calabar (in present-day Cross River State, Nigeria) as a Christian missionary.
When Mary arrived in Nigeria, she noticed something that made her very sad—many people in the Efik and Ibibio tribes believed that twins were a curse, and they abandoned them in the forest. She could not understand why people would do such a thing, so she decided to change their minds. She rescued many twins, adopted some of them, and raised them as her own children.
Mary Slessor did not just save twins—she also helped stop fighting between different groups, built schools, and taught people how to read and write. She lived among the people, learned their language, and treated them with kindness. Because of her, many lives were saved, and people began to understand that twins were not evil but a blessing.
Because of her good work, the people of Calabar loved her. They called her “Eka Kpukpru Owo”, which means “Mother of All”. She continued helping people until she died in 1915. Today, Mary Slessor is remembered as a hero in Nigeria. Her face was even printed on the old ₦10 note to honour her!
Think of it like this: Imagine you have a baby brother or sister, and someone says they are bad luck just because they were born on a certain day. That wouldn’t be fair, right? Mary Slessor stood up against this kind of unfair belief and helped people see the truth—that every child is special and should be loved.
Conclusion
Mary Slessor was a brave and kind woman who helped save the lives of many twins in Nigeria. She taught people that all children, no matter how they were born, are a gift and not a curse. Because of her, twins in Nigeria can grow up happily with their families today.
Evaluation
Let’s see what you remember! Answer these questions:
- Where was Mary Slessor born?
- Why did some people in Nigeria abandon twins?
- What did Mary Slessor do to help the twins?
- What nickname did the people of Calabar give her?
- What was printed on the old ₦10 note to honour her?
You are a smart and kind-hearted learner, just like Mary Slessor! Remember, one person can make a big difference in the world. Keep being kind, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself! See you in the next exciting lesson with Afrilearn!
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