The cashier man handed me my ticket and I boarded the bus heading to the capital at 5.00 o`clock in the morning .I took the seat next to the window so I wouldn’t feel nauseated. I was over excited about presenting my project in the annual fair whose theme was promoting and improving social and community based welfares and if I qualified, the company would offer me an opportunity to work for their company or farther my studies abroad. Job opportunities in my country, Ratemo were scarce and many qualified students spent years searching for jobs even after graduating with their first or second degree without any breakthrough so when I saw the advertisement online as I was applying for job vacancies, I did not hesitate to try it out, maybe then I would get the chance to change the life of thousands in my community.
My best friend Silla had presented her project on engineering innovations a year before and she had won a fully paid scholarship to study Mechanical engineering her dream career since we were in highschool.She had played a big role in convincing and encouraging me that it was possible to get nominated in the fair and with all the corruption and rates of unemployment in Ratemo, everyone would take a chance of having a better life. It had been a tough journey for me as well.8 months had passed since I completed my first degree in community development in one of the universities in the country, I thought I would secure employment immediately since the course was marketable with many non-organisational companies supporting community based projects but that was still a dream waiting to happen. I was in the venue by 8.00 o’clock and the place was packed to capacity, luxurious cars lined up in the parking area, I could tell high dignitaries were in attendance. It was therefore not going to be an easy competition as people who looked younger or about my age walked inside the venue in groups carrying big boards and envelopes each carrying their projects. With the large number of contestants, I wasn’t sure of myself anymore .I imagined the stiff competition ahead as I registered my name and thereafter found a perfect position to sit and wait for the presentations to begin. More tents and stands were still being set up. There were seven different companies and one had to present their work to each then they would decide whether one was qualified. I was among the first people to present my project since I had arrived earlier. I spoke with passion about my community especially the dangers we faced every time we encountered inter community clashes where innocent lives were lost and hundreds of livestock stolen, the struggles girls went through in the hands of their parents who still held dear harmful traditions like female genital mutilation and marrying off their school girls to older men just so they could acquire immense wealth at the expense of their children’s future which forced them to drop out of school and become mothers at an early age. Having come from a marginalized community it was easier to come up with long lasting solutions which included peace and reconciliation methods and awareness on the need to educate the girl child but all this needed power for it to be effective and only if we were given the necessary support and equal opportunities like all other communities and with that, I was done with my presentation after which everyone applaused.I knew I had done my best and the judges too from the look in their eyes seemed pleased with my presentation. It was a tough task, I stepped out to get fresh air and visit other tents to get a glimpse of the exhibits being show cased. I knew every company would support at least one project and I hoped to be among the chosen few. I was lost in thoughts when I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned with an annoyed attitude ready to curse and give the ill-mannered human a piece of my mind but I ended up biting my lips to stop myself from uttering a word and faking a smile. It was the CEO of Flying eagle’s one of the companies offering contestants scholarships, he had introduced himself at the hall before the presentations began. I was dumbfounded when he stretched his hand to greet me; his company was one of the most famous in Ratemo. I had seen him on television most times and billboards having won several awards for being the most influential person in changing people’s lives and helping them achieve their goals and now he was personally talking to me? If at all I had qualified, he simply could have sent me an email so I wondered what was so urgent. He shook my hand smiling. “That was a brilliant presentation I liked it, but since the judges haven’t decided you might want to come to my office tomorrow so we can discuss your project farther.” He went ahead and gave me his card with his office address and his phone contact, before walking away. I could not believe my eyes, was my presentation that good and what if other companies were interested in helping me too? I couldn’t wait to get home and video call Silla and tell her the events of the day and that Mr Princewill the CEO had personally approached and invited me to his office to discuss the way forward for my project. I spend the night at my aunt’s place so I couldn’t be late for the meeting. I put on a well-fitting black dress that I had bought recently for an upcoming job interview and some pink high heeled shoes that matched my handbag. I applied a little mascara and red lipstick which I rarely did but for this special day, I had to look very presentable. I took a taxi and alighted at the exact office address written in the card.They had to confirm if I was in the appointment list before letting me in.”The boss has been waiting for you miss”….
To be continued…
African Tales Haven 