In which I relate Adam's story...

20.10.13

Adam’s story is in many respects a typical one of growing up in Ghana, particularly in the poorer northern regions where we are.  The difference is that Adam is one of the luckier ones whose talents were spotted and nurtured so that, coupled with his own hard work and determination, he is beginning to achieve his ambition.

Education is not a high priority here.  Basic education is compulsory (up to the age of about 14) but the law is never enforced.  Children are often needed to help on the farm, sell produce, complete household tasks, especially in the rainy season when crops are abundant.  Respect and obedience to the family and to adults is absolute.  If a child is told to work at home then there is no option but to comply.  So, attending school can be a problem. 

By the age of 12, Adam was struggling to balance home commitments with school and consequently school attendance suffered.   He had moved from his parental home to live with his grandfather, a considerable distance away, to an area where schools were better.  However, his grandfather, with two wives and families, struggled to support him and he worked in various capacities outside of the home to feed and fund himself: cleaning, building labouring, farming.

Here in Ghana, if you don’t pass your end of year tests then you don’t move year groups.  And of course, if you are not attending school regularly, then you don’t pass the tests.  Staying in the same class is very demoralising and demotivating…which leads to a further fall in attendance!  A vicious circle!  It also led Adam into some bad habits, “hanging out”.

Eventually Adam came to the notice of a VSO volunteer when he won a school quiz competition.  Over time the volunteer befriended him.  She gave him maths tuition; encouraged him; chased him into school on many occasions.  Life was still hard.  Adam continued to absent himself from school on a regular basis in order to earn money for his basic survival needs; mainly food.  However, he valued the new friendship which was helping him to gain focus and direction.

Other volunteers with a diversity of interests came along and were introduced to Adam.  Through these contacts he developed interest and curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.  He recognised his own keen interest in nature, particularly animals, and from this, developed an ambitious plan to study veterinary practice.

Adam achieved his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at the age of 17.  He determined to study at the Senior High School in Bolgatanga where he would need to look after himself for the week and return to his grandfather in Zebilla at the weekends.  Unfortunately this plan was a little over ambitious as he had to once again absent himself from school in order to earn the money to live.  So he dropped out of school after only one term.  When the VSO volunteers discovered this his case was brought to the attention of the local Chief and a place sought and found in Zebilla Senior High School for the following year.

Paul and I met Adam on our arrival in Zebilla.  As an adult he now supports new VSO volunteers to settle in and find their way around the tricky local systems and customs.  At the time we arrived he was about to sit Senior High School exams.  Some were re-sits; there had been no physics teacher in school for some time which rendered exam work somewhat difficult.  He is currently awaiting the results.

Meanwhile Adam continues to keep himself busy.  Not only does he keep a watchful, helpful and supportive eye on us, he volunteers at the local internet café; is teaching computer skills; maintains links with VSO local staff; helps his grandfather on the farm; writes articles for the local newspaper.  We see him regularly.  Last week he taught us how to cook “Red Red”, a traditional local dish.  He likes Star Trek (sorry, that’s our fault).  He is a great source of local and national knowledge and history.  He is a good friend and companion.

Adam is 25.  He wants to be a vet.  We wish him every success.  In an ideal world life would not be quite such a struggle.  In the ideal world every child would have the opportunity of fulfilling his/her potential.