There are a lot of prospective corp members (PCM's) out there fresh out of camp or waiting expectantly for their call - up letter who are yet to decide if they'll stay at the family house or corper's lodge of their faith I.e NCCF, NACC e.t.c or if they'll seek alternative accommodation. Obviously this is an important decision as the choice you make will definitely affect how your service year pans out. Now I've researched with past corper's on your behalf and organized their response in a concise manner below. let's stay positive and start with the pros
some individuals who have had the privilege of staying in both family houses and corper lodges highlighted the following reasons as advantages of such communal living.
#1 SPIRITUAL GROWTH
A graduate with proper religious upbringing who honestly wants to live his life in dedication to his God, has the rare opportunity to interact with others of like mind thus increasing his faith, the family house is the only place you'll have a guaranteed sanctified atmosphere free of vile talk.
#2 LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
As a responsible member of the family house, you may be entrusted with certain responsibilities which may vary from the role of President, Vice President, Secretary-General, PRO, Treasurer or any other of the like from which you stand to gain valuable experience in managing an organization and its resources, which you can choose to flaunt in your CV and make reference to anytime in future.
#3 FIRST-HAND INFORMATION
Information tends to get to such houses first before trickling down to others, besides you'll never have to worry about missing or not getting important information.
#4 SAFETY
Family houses are to an extent somewhat safer in the context that the locations are well known to security operatives due to constant use year in year out. also there are house rules kept to ensure everyone’s safety.
#5 SKILL ACQUISITION
Anyone keen to acquire some quick skills like bead making, wire works, craft work and others of the like stand a chance to meet with a mentor in house to learn, most times for free!, or a reasonable token.
#6 GOOD NURSING MOTHERS
for nursing mothers engaged in the scheme looking to raise their children under watchful eyes there are a lot of willing corpers, would be mothers who would like to put in practice time! This is good news cuz it reduces the stress you have to go through. mothers can relate to this.
#7 RELATIVELY CHEAP
for a monthly contribution no more than N6,000 depending on your location, you are guaranteed decent meals daily in addition to a place to sleep. simply move in with your personal effects, you also save costs with respect to buying all those house hold items like mattress, pots stove foodstuff and other necessities, which you'll have to buy if you live alone. Notwithstanding you can get your personal provisions that much is allowed
#8 COMPANIONSHIP
Well this is for those who love company, friends to talk to are never in scarcity, if you want to go out you'll never walk alone and to top it up you'll have access to entertainment in form of cable TV, and games to add fun to your stay.
#9 NETWORKING
In this century one cannot down play the importance of proper networking, especially if you into business. More so, since there is a brotherly bond created between those who live together. You'll never know when it will come to play.
Now here is the reverse argument, living communally does have its down sides and they are worthy of note.
#1 PRIVACY
This particular word does not exist in family houses so If you're amongst those core introverted individuals its a really bad idea! As there is always someone up to the ante, even if you opt for some quite time someone would offer to pray with you. if you've had zero boarding/hostel life experience you may also have a hard time adjusting. If you're in a relationship or have family that's always fond of visiting especially the opposite sex then family house is definitely a no no. Maybe they will respect your property or will share it with you to the very last I can't really say. But If you have no problem with others disturbing you during your sleep or reading time cuz the timing clashes with their talk or noisy period then go right ahead, enjoy your stay there.
#2 FOOD
Am a bit undecided if this is really a dis advantage especially for those men folk who remain clueless as regards the kitchen or are negatively biased towards it. But for those who love cooking ( I.e its their hubby) I hope you wount mind loosing your freedom to cook and eat what you want, when you want!, it can be very unattractive if you are very particular about the quality of what you eat. Or you have health reasons why you can't eat anyhow! cuz' if the food is bad you will have to manage it or forfeit and go eat out!
#3 POOR CULTURAL ASSIMILATION
The whole essence of NYSC is to help re-orientate individuals under the scheme to better understand other ethnic groups and remove unhealthy prejudice held against them. This can only be achieved if they can assimilate and appreciate the culture of the areas where they're serving, but alas staying in a family house tends to deny you, to a large extent, of such opportunity. This is so because by residing in a family house, you restrict yourself to interacting mostly with fellow corp members. So much for mingling with the locals.
#4 SECURITY
There is the infamous news of a corper house demolished in zamfara, thing is Security becomes compromised if you're staying in a volatile region or violence prone states. Staying in a family house can make you all an easy target for marauders and haters.
#5 FINANCES & MATURITY
If you are enrolled in the scheme them my guess is ur at least 18 years of age (often older) and the concept of taking responsibility for you wellbeing should have sunk in by now. If not, now is a good time to forge yourself for the inevitable life ahead. But having someone determine when you eat, pray, go to Church, or altogether following rules you didn't set just eliminates the idea of independence!!
Now I can't say which side of the coin trips you so ultimately you'll have to align the reality of your unique personality to whatever situation you find yourself. I believe however you'll make the right choice.Are you a corper? let us know, what's your take?. PCM? Let us know what you'll choose and why in the comments section.
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