The midday sun cast long shadows over the school compound as Eric and his classmates gathered under the mango tree for their usual study session. What had started as a small group had now grown into something much bigger. Students from other classes had started joining, curious about this new way of learning that made sense to their daily lives. Even some teachers had begun to take notice, with Madam Afia occasionally stopping by to listen.
But not everyone was pleased.
That afternoon, just as Eric was explaining a history lesson using stories from his grandfather, the school's strictest teacher, Mr. Kusi, approached with heavy footsteps.
"What is going on here?" His deep voice cut through the group like a sharp knife.
The students quickly fell silent.
Eric stood his ground. "Sir, we are just helping each other learn."
Mr. Kusi frowned. "And who made you the teacher? Do you think you know more than those who have studied for years?"
Eric hesitated. "No, sir. But I believe learning should make sense. If we understand better, we will do better in school and in life."
The older man shook his head. "You children think you know everything. You should be focusing on what your teachers give you, not trying to change things. If I hear of this again, I will report you to the headmaster."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving a heavy silence behind him.
For the first time, Eric felt doubt creeping in. What if he was wrong? What if he was just a small boy dreaming too big?
That night, he sat on the porch, staring at the stars. His father joined him, sensing something was wrong.
"Eric, why is your face like fufu without soup?" Mr. Nyarko asked with a small smile.
Eric sighed. "Papa, do you think I am wasting my time?"
His father didn't answer immediately. He took a deep breath, looking up at the sky. "Do you know what the elders say about the baobab tree?"
Eric shook his head.
"When it starts growing, people don't notice it. They step on it, they even cut it down. But if it survives, it becomes the biggest tree in the land."
Eric sat with those words for a moment. Maybe Mr. Kusi didn't believe in him now, but that didn't mean he was wrong.
A Chance Meeting
The next morning, something unexpected happened. A group of visitors arrived at the school. Among them was a journalist from a local radio station, a woman in a bright African print dress who had come to do a story about education in the community.
As she walked around, speaking to students and teachers, she overheard two girls talking.
"Ever since I joined Eric's study group, maths is making sense to me," one said.
The journalist's ears perked up. "Who is Eric?"
Soon, she was led to Eric himself, who stood nervously as she introduced herself.
"I hear you are doing something interesting with your classmates," she said with a warm smile. "Can you tell me about it?"
Eric swallowed his nerves and explained everything—why he started the group, how it worked, and why he believed Ghana needed a better way of learning.
The journalist listened intently, taking notes. When he finished, she said, "I think people need to hear this story. How would you feel about coming to the radio station for an interview?"
Eric's eyes widened. "Me? On the radio?"
She laughed. "Yes, you. I think your voice is worth hearing."
For a moment, Eric felt like he was dreaming. But as he looked around at his friends, who were all smiling proudly, he knew—this was real.
A big opportunity had arrived.
And he was ready for it.