48 students feature in Ogun school poetry anthology

Peaceville International Academy in Ogun State has published its inaugural poetry anthology, "Echoes of Experiences." The collection showcases literary works from 48 students across Years 7 to 11, reflecting their thoughts and experiences during the school's initial three years. The initiative aims to foster creative writing and provide a platform for students to express themselves through poetry.

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I kept seeing pieces of paper with their writings around the school and thought we could do something more with them.

Head of School, Ms. Dolapo Fatoki, initiated the project after observing students' inclination to journal their experiences. "I kept seeing pieces of paper with their writings around the school and thought we could do something more with them," she stated. The anthology's poems are inspired by the school's yearly themes: "The Journey," "Legacy in the Making," and "Pressing Forward." Students not only contributed poems but also created the artwork for the book's cover and interior.

Fatoki explained that the anthology will be published every three years, ensuring that each student has an opportunity to contribute before graduating. "We decided it would come out every three years so that within the lifetime of every child in the school, they will have the opportunity to write something that can be published," she said. This approach aims to provide a lasting legacy for the students and the institution.

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We decided it would come out every three years so that within the lifetime of every child in the school, they will have the opportunity to write something that can be published.

Oluwadamife Omojola, a Year 10 student and contributor, shared her emotional connection to her four poems, which were inspired by her bond with classmates and early school memories. "Writing them made me emotional because I had to think back to those early days. I even cried while writing one of the poems because it meant so much to me," she said. Omojola expressed her ambition to become a published author before completing secondary school, crediting the school for the opportunity.

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My poems were about when we first came into the school and the memories we created together. Writing them made me emotional because I had to think back to those early days. I even cried while writing one of the poems because it meant so much to me.

Mr. Adebiyi Ogunsiji, Father of the Year 2026/2027, lauded the anthology as proof of the lasting rewards of investing in children's education. He encouraged other schools to create similar avenues for students to develop their creative talents.

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I will continue writing. Even before I finish school, I want to publish a book of my own.