Navrongo SHS Brilliant Student Who Took Part In NSMQ Now Works In A Drinking Spot, Can’t Go To Tertiary Despite Stellar Results
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Jennifer Anaale Apingu, a remarkable graduate of Navrongo Senior High School, who once represented her school in the prestigious National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) in 2021, now finds herself working in a drinking spot as an alcohol retailer. Despite achieving excellent results in her West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Jennifer’s dreams of pursuing a university education have been put on hold due to financial constraints.
Renowned investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, recently shed light on Jennifer’s situation on his birthday, hoping to garner support to help her achieve her aspirations of attending university. It was revealed that Jennifer had already endured significant hardship while funding her education up to the Senior High School level by working as a head porter (kayayo) in the Ejisu market.
Manasseh wrote “MY BIRTHDAY APPEAL TO YOU
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If you followed the NSMQ keenly, you would have seen this young woman in the photos representing her school in last year’s contest.
If you ever bought goods at the Ejisu market in early 2021, it is possible this young girl was the head porter (kayayo) who helped you carry your load to your vehicle or destination. That’s the work she did to support her education in senior high school and still made the grades you see in this picture.
Jennifer Anaale Apingu is an exceptionally brilliant girl who is currently working at a drinking spot in Navrongo to survive. Her chances of going to school are slim despite her great academic performance.
On my birthday, I want to make a special appeal to you to help this girl go to the university. She has applied to the KNUST and UDS.
You can send your support to:
Jennifer Anaale Apingu
GCB Bank
Account No:9021010049182
Navrongo Branch
OR through Mobile Money on 0530413306
God richly bless you as you help transform this auspicious life.”
Jennifer’s academic achievements were impressive, earning her 5As, 2Bs, and 1C in her WASSCE. However, her dreams of further education seem bleak as she lacks the financial means to enroll in universities like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) or the University of Development Studies (UDS), where she had applied.
Manasseh’s appeal for help has sparked a compassionate response from many Ghanaians, with some individuals offering their support in whatever way they can. Additionally, there have been calls for benevolent non-governmental organizations and governmental organizations to step in and assist this brilliant but financially disadvantaged student.
Jennifer’s story highlights the challenges faced by many talented and deserving students who are unable to pursue higher education due to financial limitations. It also sheds light on the importance of providing equal opportunities for education to all, irrespective of their financial background, to harness the potential of the youth and uplift the nation as a whole.