Joshua’s Story.
It was a sunny Monday morning in the Kyaka II refugee settlement when we engaged primary four learners of Itambabiniga primary school. As we entered the class with warm smiles and a stack of colorful STEPi storybooks in our arms, we were determined to make learners fall in love with reading and ignite a spark of inspiration among learners.
“Good morning, lovely children!” We greeted with excitement, setting the books down on the table. “Today’s session is about reading stories, stories that can change your life with every page you open,” said Zaharah.
Zaharah opened the first book titled Amani the Boda-Boda Rider. It was about a girl named Amani who fought all odds and worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a boda boda rider. Amani worked hard and became successful, supporting her family and helping others along the way.
As Zaharah read the story aloud, she paused and said, “We all have dreams, and sometimes they feel far away. But like Amani, we can keep working towards them, no matter how difficult it gets and discouragements from others.” She continued reading and as the story came to an end, Zaharah asked the learners, “If you could have one wish, one dream, what would it be?” As other children were uncertain of their future, Joshua’s hand shot up once more. “I would like to be a teacher. I want to help my family and my friends. I want to be like Amani.” A teacher who would one day stand in front of children, like you, and teach. His words were simple but powerful from a 10-year-old boy who is in a camp as a refugee from Congo fighting all odds and believing that he will be what he wants to be.
Zaharah’s heart swelled with pride as she could see the fire in Joshua’s eyes. She knew this was more than just a literacy moment but it was a turning point for Joshua. She asked, “What would help you get closer to your dream?” In a firm voice, Joshua said. “I want a copy of Amani the Boda-Boda Rider. It would remind me to keep going, to not give up on my dream.”
The other children watched and also the other literacy mentors could see the sincerity in his request. Zaharah said with courage, “you are already on your way to becoming a teacher. And because you are so inspired by Amani’s story, this book is your reward today. Keep it close, and never forget, like Amani, your dreams are within your reach.”
The class applauded Joshua and he was very excited to have a book of his own. We smiled as we noticed that the boy who is being seen as a refugee now stood with the belief that he could become a teacher, just as Amani had become the boda-boda rider.
The session came to a close, each learner sat with a reading buddy to read a storybook and the classroom was filled with excitement and murmurs as they turned pages of different books. As we left the classroom, we were filled with joy since the storybooks had done more than teach reading, they had ignited dreams. And for Joshua, one small story was the catalyst that would shape his entire future.
Joshua’s story was no longer one of a refugee, it was the story of a teacher who will overcome the odds to inspire others, and it has began with one small, powerful book: Amani the Boda-Boda Rider.
Author: Zaharah Namanda, Utopia Foundation Executive Director
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