point of becoming the head prefect. I held that prestigious position for 4 years from Primary Five until I lost it in JSS Two. I cried for a week. Nevertheless, I was involved in every club in the school, from the football team to the debating club, and I participated in every school quiz, including the French quiz. And the winner is… The whole place was buzzing with excitement, and we waited in eager anticipation as the MC began to announce the winners, starting with the third prize winner, then the second. At this point, I was starting to feel a bit disheartened. A thought crossed my mind: could it be that I had won the first prize? Was my work truly good enough? The MC raised his voice and declared, “And the winner is...” Then he paused, building the suspense. The entire roomwas filled with tension, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. “The winner is... Moses Kanduri!” the MC exclaimed, and the whole hall erupted in cheers and applause. I felt an overwhelming sense of elation as I walked to the stage to collect my prize. I had emerged as the national Kiddafest drawing competition champion, and my reward was the opportunity to drawmy masterpiece on one of the walls of the National Theatre, where it would be displayed for many years to come. Before this remarkable achievement, I had already secured first place at a Kiddafest event in Bolgatanga. I had created a drawing of President Rawlings, inspired by a poster on our gate. As fate would have it, President Rawlings had passed by the kids’ festival, seen my artwork, and admired it. Winning this competition earned me an invitation to participate in an art competition in Accra, where I once again emerged victorious. It was evident, even at that stage, that God’s hand was guiding my life. Moses with parents – photo was taken shortly before dad passed. 14 The Birthday Journal
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==