Joshua Ofori
&
Faustina Apau

Our Rich History

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It was one of those days you never forget, not because something dramatic happened, but because something quietly life-changing did. My parents had finally made the decision to enroll me in a school in our hometown, Apirede, nestled in the calm hills of Akuapem North. Even though I had spent my entire life in Nkawkaw with my family, they decided to send me back to Apirede. Nkawkaw had become far too chaotic, a constant hum of noise and distraction that slowly began to take its toll on my academic performance. My parents, concerned and hopeful, thought I needed a peaceful environment to excel academically. They believed Apirede, with its quiet roads, fresh air, and familiar roots, would offer me a better chance to thrive, not knowing they weren't just giving me an education, they were guiding me toward the beginning of something beautiful.
That's when I met her, "Apau Faustina". It was the Second term of the academic year, Thursday, January 11th, 2011. She was at the stream, Dideku, with her friend, fetching water. I still remember the sunlight bouncing off the surface of the water, the sound of the breeze weaving through the trees; it felt like the world had paused. Her friend helped her lift her bucket, and then asked me, half-jokingly, half-serious, to help her friend carry her own gallon of water.

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