AGHEDO ALELE PETER AN RDSF SUCCESS STORY

Introduction

My name is Aghedo Alele Peter, the second child in a family of six. I graduated from the university of Benin, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance. I also hold certifications in Project management, Human resource management, Health safety and environment from Pan-African institute of Professional studies.

Background

I was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria and completed virtually all my education in Benin City. My father is a civil servant and my mother is a trader.

Growing up, I had so much interest in education. My father being a lover of education and also a disciplinarian truly wanted the best for us. This made my parents go the extra mile of getting finance to enrol me and my other siblings in a private school. I remember vividly that

My dad had to withdraw us from private school and enrolled us in a public primary school.

My enrolment in a public school almost made it look as though I had lost my dream of becoming what I intended to become in life. This was because the public school I attended was overcrowded to the extent that if you didn't come to school on time, you were left with no alternative than to sit on the window to take lectures. However, in all of these, I was focused on what I intended achieving in life. Even though I was there, my mindset was thinking beyond that school environment into the future I wanted for myself.

In the midst of these financial challenges, my parents began to experience serious conflicts and they eventually parted ways.

Academic Pursuit

After my parents separated, my mother became the one responsible for our education. The burden of fending for the family was overwhelming for her and this made me venture into several menial jobs to assist her.

I remember vividly that when I was in SS 2 my friends and I had to leave school severally to building sites to assist bricklayers in order to get money to buy text books and also pay for other minor expenses. It was out of the money I saved that I was able to buy my JAMB form; although my WAEC fee was paid for by my mom.

In 2016, I got admission into the university. That night, I remember the torrent of Joy that flowed through my heart. I had to inform my mother and called my Dad to inform him also. They were both happy on hearing the news but the challenge was how to raise the funds for the acceptance fee and school fees. I called some of my uncles and aunties for financial support, but there was no positive response.

My parents had to source for funds for the fees and I assisted them to raise the required fund; even as some of my friends also contributed. There were times in my year one where l couldn't buy textbooks because the money

It wasn't easy, there were times I had deep thoughts thinking about where the next school fee will come from, but God and determination kept me going.

Rdsf And I

One day, while I was in 200 level preparing for the end of the semester, I saw a post on the WhatsApp status of a close friend about a seminar that was to be organized by an organization.

When I enquired to know more about the seminar, he told me it was organized by RDSF. It was an ICT and soft skills training session. I never wanted to go because I was not someone that attends seminars in school. However, it was as though God was intentional about me going because I gave it a second thought and attended.

During the course of the seminar, online earlier in the year. They later decided to give other participants of the training an opportunity to attend the interview sessions before applying online.

I visited their website, read the guidelines and applied for the scholarship. It was indeed a great relief to get a positive response from the foundation; afterwards I was given the grant which I used to pay for my school fees in 300 level. I also received continued support in my final year.

Conclusion

The greatest threat to the progress of any man in life is himself. No man can stop you if you are determined to become successful. My deep appreciation goes to almighty God who has taken me this far and has been my eternal fortress. I would like to appreciate my parents, my