Article April 21, 2014 Issue

From a shepherd to a student

Peter Tatoi Adunga

I was raised in a family that didn’t have a lot of money. In fact, at times having food on the table each day was not possible. About three years ago, my older brother and I were attending primary school, and were candidates to enter high school. The high school charges each pupil a fee, and I wondered where my parents would get the money since it was so difficult to meet basic daily needs. I was so worried about the financial situation that I felt I had to end my education. I was discouraged, but deep inside I felt that “enough was enough” with regard to financial problems.

I went home and informed my dad about my decision. He was surprised, as he knew me as a bright student and had never expected this from me. He advised me to continue with my studies. He told me that God is the provider and would care for me. I loved his encouragement, but deep down I was convinced the situation was hopeless. So I stayed at home without going to school for the next month, and was employed as a shepherd boy at my neighbor’s homestead.

My parents were not happy. My father, who was employed as a day laborer, had always dreamed that my brother and I would achieve more in life. And here I was, doing work that didn’t “hold water” in my father’s eyes.

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