Chereads / A Boy’s Dream,A Nation’s Future. / Chapter 4 - Chapter 4-The First Brick

Chapter 4 - Chapter 4-The First Brick

The afternoon sun beat down on the classroom, its golden rays slipping through the open windows. A warm breeze rustled the pages of Madam Asantewaa's lesson notes as she looked around the room with a smile.

"Class, today we're going to do something different," she announced. "I want each of you to tell me what you want to be in the future."

A murmur of excitement ran through the class. One by one, the students stood up to share their dreams.

"I want to be a nurse," said Akosua.

"I will be a footballer," said Kwame, his chest puffed out.

"A lawyer!"

"A doctor!"

The answers were predictable. Then, it was Eric Nyarko's turn. He stood up, his small frame straight, his eyes bright with determination.

"I want to build Ghana into the greatest country in the world," he said.

For a moment, the class was silent. Then laughter erupted from every corner. Kofi nearly fell off his chair, holding his stomach. Even Madam Asantewaa couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ei, Eric," she said, shaking her head. "That is a very big dream. How do you plan to do that?"

Eric met her gaze without hesitation. "I will start by cleaning the school."

The laughter grew louder.

"Cleaning the school?" Kofi asked, wiping tears from his eyes. "You say you want to build Ghana, and you start with sweeping? Massa, be serious!"

But Eric didn't waver. "Yes," he said. "If we learn to keep our surroundings clean, we will learn to take care of our country. And if we take care of our country, it will grow strong."

The class fell quiet. Madam Asantewaa studied Eric for a moment, her expression thoughtful.

"That's an interesting way to look at it," she finally said. "Okay, let's see how serious you are. From tomorrow, you will lead a team to clean the school compound after class."

Eric nodded firmly. He didn't mind the challenge. This was only the beginning.

The Work Begins

The next afternoon, as the final bell rang, most students rushed out of the classroom, eager to go home. But Eric stayed behind. He grabbed a broom from the janitor's cupboard and stepped outside.

The schoolyard was littered with dry leaves, bits of paper, and empty sachet water plastics. The wind carried dust across the compound, making small swirls near the mango tree.

Kofi, standing under the tree, watched him with amusement. "So, Mr. President, you are really serious about this, eh?"

Eric didn't answer. He bent down and started sweeping. The dry leaves crackled as he pushed them into a pile. The afternoon sun beat down on his back, but he didn't stop.

After a while, Abena sighed and picked up another broom. "Let me help you," she muttered.

Kwame, still skeptical, folded his arms. "This thing you're doing won't change anything, but let me see something." He grabbed a broom as well.

Slowly, more students joined in. By the time the sun began to set, there were six of them sweeping, collecting trash, and making the school compound look neater than it had in weeks.

From her office window, Madam Asantewaa watched them with quiet admiration.

A Small Victory

By the end of the week, Eric's small cleaning team had grown. More students stayed behind to help, some out of curiosity, others because they were inspired by his determination. Even the headmaster took notice.

During the morning assembly, he cleared his throat and smiled. "I want to commend Eric Nyarko and his team for their efforts in keeping the school clean. This is the spirit of leadership. If we all care for our country the way these students care for their school, Ghana will be better for it."

Eric's heart swelled with pride. He knew this was only a small victory, a single brick in the foundation of his dream. But that was how nations were built—one brick at a time.

And he had just laid the first one.