Anthony
During our field visit, we met a boy named Anthony who was making bricks nearby. At that time, I noticed a little girl who needed help. Unfortunately, I could not assist her because my right hand was in pain, and my teammates had already moved ahead of me. I therefore called Anthony, who was on a nearby compound making bricks, and he came without hesitation to help the child.
While he was helping, I developed an interest in getting to know him because of his kind and friendly nature. Anthony told me that he is 14 years old. He currently lives with a friend after they both completed Primary Seven in December 2024.
I asked him why he was staying with a friend instead of his parents. He explained that his mother failed to pay rent, and they were evicted from their house. He also shared that his mother struggles with alcohol addiction, which has made life very difficult for him.
When I asked about his education, Anthony lost words and just took a breath! I sensed something so I insisted to know. He said that he is currently not in school! After completing primary education, he failed to secure money to join secondary school. Even during his primary education, it was through the mercy of the deputy headteacher that he was allowed to study for four years without paying school fees; otherwise, he would not have completed primary school at all.
I asked Anthony whether he would be willing to return to school if given the opportunity, even after staying out of school for a full year. He responded happily and confidently that he would love to go back to school and promised not to disappoint if supported.
Anthony is a Christian, and he prayed that I might help him find a sponsor who could support him to return to school, just like his fellow age-mates in the village.