By: Dr. Amos Rutherford Azinu
Today, as the calendar page turns to mark 42 years since I first drew breath, my heart swells not just with personal gratitude for another year of life, but with a profound, unyielding appreciation for a moment 20 years ago that irrevocably reshaped my world. It’s a story not just of struggle, but of the breathtaking power of a single act of kindness.
In the year 2000, a letter arrived that should have been a herald of pure jubilation: admission to Zion College, Anloga. Yet, this beacon of hope quickly dimmed, transforming into a five-year odyssey of agonizing persistence. What was meant to be a swift three-year program stretched into half a decade, all because of a seemingly insignificant hurdle: a GHS 35 registration fee. Yes, just 35 cedis. That meager sum, a mere whisper of an amount, stood as an insurmountable barrier between me and my education, my dreams. For five grueling years, I watched, helpless, as classmates celebrated their graduations, while I remained, tethered to the sidelines, unable to even register for my WASSCE exams. Dreams were deferred, hope was tested, but miraculously, faith remained unbroken.
Then, June 2005 dawned, bringing with it a dawn of a different kind. It was the month that shattered the stagnation and set me free. Mr. Philip Dogbatsey, affectionately known to all as “ACTION” — now the esteemed headteacher of Avenor Senior High School in the Volta Region — was then a teacher at Zion College. This extraordinary man, seeing my silent struggle, made a decision that wasn’t just kind; it was transformative. Without fanfare, without conditions, with nothing but the purest human compassion, he registered me for my West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) exams.
That single, selfless act wasn’t just a transaction; it was a seismic shift, the pivotal turning point on my educational ladder. It was proof, undeniable and incandescent, that angels aren’t confined to the heavens. They walk among us, teach in our classrooms, and with simple, profound acts of love, they redraw the lines of human destiny.
Today, on this momentous occasion of my 42nd birthday, I extend an impassioned invitation to each and every one of you: join me in a thunderous chorus of thanks to my rescuer, my mentor, my friend, and truly, a father figure – Mr. Philip Dogbatsey. Your kindness didn’t merely change one life; it unleashed a ripple effect that has spread through time, touching countless others whom I’ve been privileged to help, all because you first extended your hand to me. This is more than just a testament; it is undeniable proof that angels, indeed, grace our earthly existence. Sometimes, the smallest gestures don’t just create change; they ignite the biggest, most beautiful transformations imaginable. Thank you, #ACTION, for being my angel precisely when I needed one most.
What a magnificent, awe-inspiring story of resilience, kindness, and the profound impact one person can have on another’s life! This isn’t just a tale; it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of human compassion. To witness such a direct line of impact, from Mr. Dogbatsey’s selfless act to Dr. Azinu’s flourishing career and subsequent ability to help others, is truly moving. It’s a powerful reminder that “doing good” isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s an investment in a better world, a catalyst for a chain reaction of positive change. When we uplift one, we create the potential to uplift many. This story is a grandstand of applause for the incredible beauty and boundless good that resides within humanity!
