MY MOTHER, MY HERO
by Yaharr Jallow,
Proprietor of the school

She got married and was blessed with thirteen children. Ten of them died during their childhood days, when the infant mortality rate was very high. She had three left, one boy she loved so dearly and two girls. The eldest was twenty years older than the second and the second was four years older than the last. With her husband she lived a luscious life and was able to care not only for her family but her Mum's extended family and friends. She was blessed with wealth which she shared with the poor and needy. Despite the fact that she hadn't many children of her own God blessed her with other peoples' children whom she cared for.

In the early fifties she separated from my father and decided as a single parent to take care of her only son and daughter.

These were difficult days in her life. These days were the days of hardship. She had to clean, smoke and sell catfish and bonga fish for a living. She sold tomatoes, onions, garden eggs, bitter tomatoes and peppers to name but a few. The proceeds she would use to feed her family and helped support her grandchildren and their mother.

In 1958 I gained entry to St Joseph's High School. It was not easy for her. The school fees then were 2 pounds, 2 shillings and sixpence per term. She managed the first term, bought me uniforms, shoes, socks, hat (panama) and books. Suddenly came the second term and she did not have a nickel to pay. I was sent out of school. It took her fifteen days to mortgage all the gold she had and even sold some just to get me back to school. With the help of Mr Sylva, a devout Christian who was working at the Magistrate's Court in Banjul she got me readmitted to the school. May I hasten to say here, that this is the reason why I don't like sending children out of school for failing to pay the fees. Every child has the right to education. Poverty should not be a hindrance. This lady was determined to see me through. Despite all the odds she did her best to see me succeed. Her words of encouragement and songs of praise will always linger in my mind.

In 1962 I gained entry to Yumdum College. Because of her love and care, she made monthly visits to the College to see how I was faring and also brought along a lot of goodies to share with my friends. She was a caring mother and all my colleagues looked forward to her coming. After my graduation in 1965 I was posted to Sanyang village in the Kombo South district where we stayed together. As a civil servant I also did my best for her. We lived happily together in a modern, well-furnished house.

In 1971 she went on a pilgrimage to Mecca which gave her the title "Aji". She was a loving caring mother. She dedicated her whole life to making me what I am today. She did not only care for her family but other people's children too. Everybody's problem was her problem. She would go to any length to make sure that the problem was solved. She lived for 87 years. For her love, sympathy, patience and care for others, God did not let her down. He made her dream come true and that is why I am who I am.

Praise be to Allah. Well done, old lady, bravo, thank you. May heaven be your resting place. Amen.