To join classes and study for this year’s SEA exams, 12-year-old Aleem Truman had to use either his mother or father’s cell phone. This was because neither parent, who are both vendors, can afford to purchase a laptop or tablet.
“He really didn’t have his own device so before I leave to come out here, I will leave my phone,” his mother Kellyann Boyce said yesterday.
But Truman, a former pupil of Nelson Street Boys’ RC, said he made the best out of what he had and did not allow any challenges to interrupt his focus.
“Like internet problems and sometimes it would like shutoff at moments, but I find myself to keep to doing it,” Truman said.
He said his teacher, Mr Phillip, was also very understanding and worked with him as he balanced school work, connectivity problems and also helping his parents sell.
“Everything that I had to that would occupy me from doing my work, I could complete them before I start my work. Then I would go in a corner, I will sit and I would complete all assignments. I may not be able to do all but I did what I could at the moment,” he said.
He is now off to St Anthony’s College, his second choice.
“I felt joyful that I passed for one of my choices. When I first saw it, I being real, I thought it was fake because of how real it was and I was stunned for a moment and I just was processing it and then after it hit me,” he said.
He said he cannot wait to join the chess club.
His mother cried when Guardian Media asked how she felt about the result. She said this was because she remembered the sacrifices they all made to get to him to that point.
“He might not do good all the time but he made sure he tried his best, I am very proud of my son…I was crying, I cry, I cry, oh my God ,to see I out here working so hard and he,” she said in tears.
“He did this using a phone.”
Truman is thankful for their effort to ensure his education.
“Thanks for what they did for me during their lives, because they made it their oath to protect me and my work so I can move forward and learn a next chapter of knowledge, so I would say thank you very much for the sacrifices they have made for me,” he said.
And as they start this new chapter, with many of the same challenges, their family remains optimistic and thankful.
“Always be contented,” his mother said.
They priced half his booklist at a cost of $1,400, money they don’t have. But his mother says she will sell all week to get that money and support her son.
Anyone seeking to assist this family can call 350-7668.
