I Like To Come Up With New Ideas.
Philip has traveled with his brother Clifford and Lead Social Worker Joseph to meet our team. After interviewing Clifford, Philip comes in to take a seat. He was only 13 when we first met him working on the lake – reserved, unsure. Even then, he’d already seen a lot of life and experienced unimaginable hardship. But today, at 19 years old, Philip is confident. He has a healthy pride in his ability to make the most of the opportunities given him and yet carries himself with great humility.
Philip is a leader at home and in his community. As one of four siblings, he understands the importance of education and working toward plans for the future. He also understands the importance of surrounding himself with encouraging and supportive people – that he will need others to help him get to where he wants to be in life. It is that question that he latches onto the most in speaking with us; he is quick to credit all the many people who have helped him be successful.
As we dive into our conversation with Philip, it’s evident he makes friends wherever he goes. He’s the kind of person that puts others at ease with his presence. He’s the kind of young man that will always seek to help others as he himself has been lifted.
How do you like school?
It’s very good.
Is it easy for you, or do you have to work very hard?
[laughs] It is easy.
Which number are you in the class?
5th
You are doing very well. What’s your best subject?
Science
Your brother Clifford said that too.
[Joseph] They normally score very high marks.
Do you have any teacher who you like the most?
I do. Our language teacher, for Twi. [primary Ghanaian dialect]
He must be very good. What does he do that you like?
When he’s teaching, he teaches and explains to us so we can understand.
If you have a question, he will answer?
Yes
When you finish school, what do you want to do?
Be a footballer.
Do you play football for your school?
Yes
Is your school good? You are playing other schools?
Yes
What position?
Position seven. Striker. [Joseph explains the position numbers; he’s right side flank.]
Ah ok. So right side. Then you score goals.
Yes!
If when you grow, maybe after you’re a footballer, or if you don’t get the chance to play, what do you want to do for your work?
An entrepreneur.
So you have business ideas?
Yes
Can you tell us one? Or what business do you want to go in when you grow?
[Joseph] He’s not thought of it like that before.
So maybe that’s a hard question. But you like coming up with new ideas, trying new things, being creative?
Yeah. I like to try new things and come up with new ideas.
Will you study for the BECE [Senior High School placement testing] this year? How often will you study?
Yes. Every day, I will study.
So Clifford said 2 days a week. I think if you study every day, your score should pass his!
[laughs] Yes!
Do you think you can do it?
Yes
Will you also write [the testing] in June?
Yes, also in June.
Did you think of the score that you want?
8. Or 10.
But I think if you study every day, you can get 6 [highest possible score].
[laughs]
Now that you are home with your mom and your siblings, all home, how does your family help each other?
They are very kind, and I am also kind to them. We are kind to each other.
How are you setting an example for your younger siblings to look at you and say, “ok, since Philip is doing this, this is what I should do”? [Joseph] How are you comporting yourself? For them to say, “this is how my senior brother is living his life, so I want to follow him in the kind of way he’s living”?
By being respectful of them. I also do what I am told.
So if your mom says, you should do this... go and fetch water, you will go and fetch water?
Yes
Is there any person in your life who has had influence on you? Maybe they told you something you should do and you listened to them? Or they took very good care of you? Any one person or two?
I have more than two!
Derek, a local taxi driver. He advised me about having the right friends. Benjamin, a community neighbor who gifted me a backpack. He said if I complete school and score high, he will try and get me a laptop. Paul, another neighbor, and Maxwell who advises me to live a good life.
When you left Sabonjeda, and then you went back to stay with your Mom, how did you feel?
I felt very good.
Can you say more? Do you know why?
When I need something, my Mom takes care of me. She advises me to listen and to go to church.
“When I need something, my Mom takes care of me... we are kind to each other.”