‘I used leaves as shoes’ – Peggy Chukwuemeka
Mrs Peggy Chukwuemeka, mother of four, is a family ambassador, author, public speaker and psychotherapist/family counsellor. The executive director of the Parent-Child Intervention Centre and pioneer member of Parents for Parents Movement in Nigeria spoke to Tambari on the motivation behind her non-governmental organisation, challenges and other interesting matters. Educational background I first attended Community […]
Peggy Chukwuemeka
Mrs Peggy Chukwuemeka, mother of four, is a family ambassador, author, public speaker and psychotherapist/family counsellor. The executive director of the Parent-Child Intervention Centre and pioneer member of Parents for Parents Movement in Nigeria spoke to Tambari on the motivation behind her non-governmental organisation, challenges and other interesting matters.
Educational background
I first attended Community School, Umueze 2 in Ehime Mbano of Imo State before proceeding to Brilliant Nursery and Primary School at Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt. After primary school, I attended Our Saviour Girls’ Secondary School in Aba, Abia State. My mum was finding it difficult to see me through school, so I moved to Archdeacon Crowder Memorial Girls’ Secondary School, Elelenwo in Port Harcourt, where I completed my secondary education. After that, I got admission into the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, where I obtained a degree as a clinical psychologist. Also, I was trained by Quilliam on preventing/countering violence and extremism, and the ActionAid/SCRAPC on outcome, harvesting and report writing.
Career background
I did my National Youth Service at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu in 2010. I happened to be the first Psychology graduate to serve under the Nursing Service Department, so it brought a lot of challenges to me to manage the trauma that comes with orthopedic medical needs. The need for a clinical psychology service was obvious, which led to the establishment of a clinical psychology unit in the hospital today. In 2011, after my youth service, I thought of starting a non-governmental organisation – Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC) – in order to fulfill my passion. I did, and today I am the executive director of the organisation. Our head office is in Enugu State.
What’s the motivation behind the PCIC?
The motivation behind the PCIC was the issues that surrounded my growing up – the abuses, depression, molestation and rejection my late mum went through.
What are the challenges of the job?
The most challenging thing about my job is finance. Most of my projects are funded by my husband and I. My colleagues wonder how I embark and complete my projects without being funded by any donor agency. With a burning passion and working with less fund, I have been pushing through since 2014, for humanity sake.
What are the biggest achievements of the organisation so far?
The focus of the PCIC is the prevention of drug and substance abuse, domestic and child violence, child abuse and anti-corruption. We achieve our aims through trainings, behaviour diagnosis, evaluation/modifications, advocacies, interventions and sensitizations. We partner with schools, religious centers and communities. The biggest achievement of the organisation is the first ever National Parents Summit in Nigeria and the Parents for Parents Movement, which is a four-year self-sponsored project that started on June 6, 2018. This project is all about training parents who volunteer to train other parents on issues around drug and substance abuse, domestic violence and child sexual abuse.
What kind of impact would you like to make?
I want to make a global impact on drug abuse prevention and domestic violence/child abuse. I also want to make an impact on anti-corruption in Nigeria by restructuring the minds of my fellow Nigerians and changing the narratives from the grassroots.
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit. He gives me the inspiration to do my job better.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the fulfillment I get when I hear success stories from communities, young people, parents or teachers about a positive/ desired behaviour change, or a situation changed for better.
What was growing up like?
My growing up was not easy, being an only child raised by a widow. My dad died when I was eight years old. Because I come from a region in Igbo land where the girl-child is not valued, my mum was asked to either stay behind and start having kids until she was able to have a male child or leave with me, who was not seen as an important child. She chose to go away with me, and we left with nothing. I want to use this opportunity to thank my uncle, Mr Bede Nwigwe (BOC), who took it upon himself to make sure that at least we had food to eat despite his financial status as a student. After my secondary education I started working. In my first job I earned N700. As time passed went by, I started taking care of my mum’s little needs. I was always promising her that I would make her proud. Today, she is no more and God has been taking me from glory to glory. I can’t afford to fail my mum. I am working towards changing the narrative of not allowing a girl-child to inherit some parts of her father’s properties if she happens to be an only child in my community, God helping me.
Fond childhood memories
I can’t forget that after the death of my dad I was going to school in the village without any footwear. I would use a particular leave to place under my feet to avoid the heat from the ground when coming back from school.
What were your aspirations while growing up?
I always aspired to be a solution to people’s problems and an answer to their prayers.
Joys of motherhood
My joy as a mother has no bounds. I enjoy my children’s company on a daily basis. We play, tell stories, share experiences, get mad at each other and make up minutes later. I now have the brothers and a sister I never had.
How did you meet your husband?
I met my husband on a fateful Friday evening of October 3, 1997 without knowing that he was going to be my husband. The first day we met, he toasted me and promised to be my brother since I never had one. After few years, he asked me to be his friend, which I accepted. Later on, he graduated to asking me to be his lover, and because he was a good friend, I also accepted, and finally, he asked for my hand in marriage; and now, we are husband and wife. His name is Chizitere Chukwuemeka.
What is your most cherished attribute of his?
His ability to say sorry when he offends me.
Favourite music
I love listening to high life music. For example, I can replay the Oriental Brothers and Osadebe severally, not despising gospel music.
First app you check in the morning/bedtime?
My email.
Favourite fashion items
Shoes, hair and jewellery.
Flats or heels?
Flats.
Most expensive fashion accessory
Shoes and jackets.
What wouldn’t you be caught wearing?
Nose ring; but I don’t condemn those who wear it.
Best travel destination and why?
My best travel destination is Vienna. That was my first international travel and I was sponsored by the United Nations (UN) for a presentation on the role of parents in preventing drug and substance abuse. Five minutes before my presentation to the UN representatives, I realised that every level of audience had its own level of anxiety.
How do you relax?
I relax by listening to music or my audio bible.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind; be led by the dreams in your heart – Roy T. Bennett.
Favourite food
My favourite food is the native food like nsala soup or ofe Owerri with pounded yam.
Your definition of style
For me, style is the way I do my things and not what the society has defined for me.
Beauty routine
The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is to drink a cup of hot water and lemon. I love makeup, but hardly make my face up, maybe because I don’t have that patient to sit and do it well.
Mum’s advice that stuck with you over the years
My late mum advised me not to ever forget where I am coming from in order not to forget where I am going to in life. This advice has been regulating me and keeping me humble.
Role models
My role models are women who achieved their dreams against all odds.
Life lessons
One thing I have learnt about life is that the only thing that starts from the top is the grave. Every other thing starts from the bottom or small before going up or expanding.
What advice would you give to young women looking towards activism?
I advise my fellow women looking towards activism to follow their hearts and work with passion. Passion is a strong propeller, and it pays.