Welcome to the initial installment of an occasional series that introduces readers to the faces — and talents — of those who make the Worcester Sun your first choice in local media.
The incredible story of Augustine Kanjia continues … Fighting for Fees and Respect
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“When I entered the principal’s office, he laughed and asked for my receipt. He said that without the receipt, I was committing a crime by coming to school. He told me in a loud voice, ‘If education is expensive, try ignorance. Go quickly and bring your receipt.’ ”
A Mother’s Journey: Don’t starve the artists
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The whole “We’d like to give you exposure in exchange for your work” bit is overrated, misguided and usually, false. Work is work is work. And no work should be done for free.
The incredible story of Augustine Kanjia continues … ‘Omolé’ Creates a Bigger Problem
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“T-Boy had watched the omolé flow in the house. We were constantly selling and brewing. Many came to the house to get their shots. T-Boy had made arrangements to take some bottles out to sell. But we were uncertain of his true motives.”
The incredible story of Augustine Kanjia continues … Tragedy Falls on Our Doorstep
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“My grandmother was afraid, because the police would come to investigate why a woman died in front of our house. I was busy playing soccer that day, but seeing everyone running toward our house, I knew I should be there. It was an unpleasant scene. My uncles had to lift the woman up and my grandmother cleaned the place. And I stood there crying aloud.”
The incredible journey of Augustine Kanjia continues … Lessons Abound as School and Home Collide
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“I was getting thinner every day. I was also very resilient. Back with my grandmother and uncles in Motema, our only source of income was the illicitly brewed local moonshine, ‘omole,’ which was a hot commodity, sought either by those who drank it or the police who thought it was a drug and should not be consumed.”
The incredible journey of Augustine Kanjia continues … My School of Hard Knocks
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“That morning I left with the intention that I would stay in school all day. I was wrong. I did not have the school uniform, neither did I have the admission. I returned to Motema in tears. A lot worked on my mind. It was all geared toward my return to school. It was hard for me. My grandmother was waiting for good news.”
A Mother’s Journey: The gentrification exasperation
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“If Worcester can stop trying to be like everyone else for one second, it can make a difference in the lives of many small-business owners and residents. It can prevent the negative effects of gentrification and it can make Worcester the next vibrant destination for potential residents, developers and startups.”
The incredible journey of Augustine Kanjia continues … Will My School Dreams Become a Nightmare?
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“I decided to walk to freedom one day, just five days after my interview at the Wesley Secondary School. I went to the military barracks junction looking for any military personnel going to Freetown — Bo, where my mother lived and my potential new school was located, was on the way. A truck was going by at 11 a.m.”
The incredible journey of Augustine Kanjia continues … Beyond My Limit
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Many unanswered questions came to mind. I hoped it was a boarding school because I could not travel from Daru to Segbwema every day, and I knew no one who lived in that town. Suffering was hanging over my head. I cried alone when I had no answers for these questions. I cried aloud at one point, prompting everyone in sight to look at me.
Augustine Kanjia’s incredible journey continues … A Good Result That Left Me in Tears
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The teachers had to punish me for telling the headmaster what I should have kept secret. I was given 24 lashes with a stick. While in pain, my result was released. It cured me, but I was still in tears as I heard teachers talk about my good result but lack of money to even go for the intake interview. The days went by fast and I still had no money. Omolé, our illicitly distilled liquor, was helpful.