From poverty to prodigy: a story of hope from our friends at Home to Enhance African Life
Franklin Dikenta is a 12-year old boy, born on July 14, 2002. His family lives in deplorable poverty in one of the remotest villages of Imo State. Lacking stable employment, Franklin’s father earned money by transporting people on his motorbike. His mother worked by frying plantain chips and selling them to peasants in remote villages. Hence, affording an education for Franklin on such meager income was a forlorn hope, especially after his father’s recent death.
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Mrs. Dikenta, now a widow, turned in desperation to the Mother Enabler School, where Franklin became a student in August of 2014. Franklin was welcomed with open arms, and he immediately became a “celebrated hero.” His academic brilliance in our school’s quiz and spelling competitions elevated his class to second best overall in the entire school.
Franklin is an attentive child and is very desperate to learn. All the teachers of the Home School sing his praises. Even before his first examinations, it was crystal clear that he would excel. He lived up to expectations by placing first in eleven out of twelve subjects, with the least of his scores being 90/100! Franklin also eagerly participates in Home School activities such as the press club and Young Catholic Student Group (YCS), in which he serves as vice secretary. He also performs the Fulani, Igbo, and Tiv cultural dances with the children.
Franklin has a few minor faults. He sometimes acts as though he has a listening problem, making teachers have to repeat themselves. He will need counselling to reassure him of his talents, some of which are still hidden. The Compassionate Home has provided Franklin with an environment that will allow him to develop his gifts and talents on par with children from intact families.
His mother, upon Franklin’s acceptance into the Home School said, “Thanks to HEAL and the MOJ missionaries for all they are doing for people like me.” As the Home School Coordinator, I would like to echo Mrs. Dikenta in thanking all our wonderful friends of HEAL. Because of you, young students like Franklin have a chance in life!
Sr. Ann
Home School Coordinator
Home to Enhance African Life