With only a few days remaining before the close of registration for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), 12-year-old Newton David has taken a bold and heartfelt step by appealing directly to the public for assistance to keep his educational aspirations alive.
Newton, a pupil of the Presbyterian School situated at the corner of Johnson and Broad Streets in central Monrovia, says his chance to sit the WAEC examination is under threat due to the severe financial difficulties confronting his family.
The young student explained that life has been particularly challenging for him, his four-year-old sister, and their father, circumstances that reportedly contributed to their mother leaving the household. Despite these hardships, Newton noted that his regular school fees have been fully paid; however, the WAEC registration fee of LD$6,000 remains outstanding, with the deadline set for this Friday.
In an effort to secure the required amount, Newton said his father wrote to the Director General of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mr. Mohammed Ali (Mo Ali), seeking assistance. He further disclosed that his father later left home in search of income but has yet to return as the deadline rapidly approaches.
Faced with limited options and dwindling time, Newton decided to take his appeal to the streets, visiting radio stations and newspaper offices to personally seek help from journalists and members of the public.
Displaying remarkable composure and determination for his age, Newton said missing the WAEC examination due to lack of funds would be devastating and could derail his academic progress. “I will feel very bad if I cannot take the WAEC because of money,” he said.
Acting on behalf of his family, Newton has shared his father’s contact details with the public to enable well-wishers to reach out directly and assist with the payment of the examination fees.
His story is gaining attention not only for the urgency of his situation but also for his confidence, clarity of expression, and unwavering resolve to pursue his education despite overwhelming challenges.
As the WAEC registration deadline draws near, Newton David’s appeal highlights the broader struggles many Liberian children face in accessing education and serves as a call to individuals, institutions, and compassionate citizens to intervene before the opportunity slips away.
