A CRY FOR HELP

Yemisi was enrolled in a JAMB coaching class while Halima was enrolled into matrimony, not without a fight though. Halima ran to one of her teacher's house, her eyes were full of tears, her heart was racing, she got to Mrs Uzoma's house and knocked on the wooden door.

"Yes who is that?" Mrs Uzoma enquired.

"it's I Halima," she cried

"oh! Halima,"She opened the door;"what happened? Why are you drenched in tears?"

Halima couldn't utter a word, each attempt she makes to speak is suppressed by her cries. Mrs Uzoma offered a sit and held her hands, the weeping episode gradually came to an end.

Mrs Uzoma was puzzled as she has never seen Halima like this before, a promising beautiful lady.

"Halima please tell me what the problem is, I believe you are much calm now", Mrs Uzoma pleaded.

Halima went on her knees holding her teacher's hand and staring at her with so much uncertainty.

"Please ma, I need you to accompany me to our house, beg my parents not to force me to get married, according to them I will be getting married next Friday" poor Halima implored.

"What"? Mrs Uzoma screamed in shock.

"Yes ma, they want me to marry Alhaji Balarabe"

"No, but I thought your father is educated, well it's obvious that even education can't separate man from his culture, I mean up till now even professors destroy their children's face with tribal marks. Oh Halima (touching her cheek) I pray your dreams of becoming a lawyer is not shattered by those who brought you to this world. Let's go"

Mrs Uzoma took her scarf, with so much energy both of them walked briskly to Alhaji Haruna's residence.

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Forcing young girls to get married is not a guarantee for chastity. If you educate a girl, you have educated an entire nation.

#SayNoToChildMarriage
#SayNoToForcefulMarriage
#EducateTheGirlChild
#DiscourageHarmfulCulturalPractices
#BreakingFree
#Prettapalomita