Auntie: I want to learn a vocation
Dear Auntie Betty, I have completed Junior High School.
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I am not academically good so I decided not to go to senior high school but learn a vocation.
I told my parents about it and they arranged for me to live with a young couple as a house-help to earn some money.
The agreement was that the couple will open a savings account for me to save the monthly pay they will give me. I will save the money for two years and use that to learn a vocation.
However, my parents now want the couple to send the money to them via mobile money. I know that when the money gets to my parents, that will be the end — they will not save it for me.
I am worried. What should I do?
Worried Girl,
Kasoa.
Dear Worried Girl, It is good that you want to learn a vocation — it will help you improve on your skills, get you self- employed and make money to help you live a decent life.
However, I would like you to reconsider your decision of not furthering your education. No matter what you want to do in life, it is good that you have a good educational foundation.
You should know the basics of reading and writing. Whatever you may work with, the instructions will be in English language and if you cannot read, then you would be found wanting. If you have a good educational background, it gives you an edge in whatever field you choose.
The world is changing and you will realise that people who cannot read and write but are skilled in a particular field still lack something and are not able to push their ventures to the top or keep up with emerging trends in their field.
Fortunately, Senior High School is now free so think about it and make plans to go back to school. You really have to think through this and talk to your parents and the new couple you are living with. It is very important because your future depends on it.
In the meantime, with regard to the savings, I suggest you go and see your parents and talk to them politely on why it is necessary for them to respect the agreement to enable you to save some money.
If it is the case that they genuinely need you to support them, then you could come to an agreement to give them part of the money and save the rest.
I wish you the very best.