From Market to Mentor: Joseph’s Dream of Becoming a Professor

Joseph Peche, 19 from Dambwa, is quiet and timid in demeanour, but his intelligence shines through in a way that is impossible to ignore. Joseph’s parents work in the market selling produce at Dambwa Central , a job with inconsistent income. This means a daily struggle to make ends meet. For Joseph, this meant his education was just outside of his family’s capacity. Without support, this became a constant pressure to abandon his dreams and aspirations. 

Joseph, however, was not ready to let go of his dreams. Despite not being formally enrolled in a school, he joined the Play it Forward after-school programme. When the Play it Forward team heard his story, they met with his parents and helped enrol him in school, paying for his school enrollment fees, uniforms, and all the materials he needed. Joseph finally had a chance to pursue the education he had longed for.

Once Joseph joined the after-school programme, he showed something rare in our community – a genuine love for learning. It wasn’t just about the subjects, but about the entire experience. He got on well with other children in the class. He showed real joy for sitting in a classroom, understanding a concept, and sharing ideas with his peers. “Maths is like a puzzle I enjoy solving,” Joseph says, and for him, Science connects to the world around him.

This programme didn’t just teach him subjects; it gave him a glimpse into a world he had never fully experienced. A world where learning was not just about passing exams, but about self-growth, discovery, and empowerment. The safe space provided by the programme allowed Joseph to block out the discouragement of his background and focus on his education. It gave him hope – hope that, despite his circumstances, he could carve out a better future for himself.

We asked Joseph how the after-school programme helped him prepare for his Grade 9 exams. “The programme made me focus a lot more on my studies,” he shared, “and the practice gave me courage for my exams.” For Joseph, it was more than the subjects he was learning, it was about the environment the programme created. He was surrounded by teachers and coaches who encouraged him to ask questions, make mistakes, let him borrow books and let him access them with openness when he faced challenges.

One person who had the biggest impact on Joseph was his teacher, Caristo. “He was patient, always willing to guide me, and helped me understand how to approach my exams,” Joseph shared. Caristo’s teaching methods, which involved past papers, fun games and interactive lessons, are what helped him build his confidence.

Joseph’s motivation to do well at school goes beyond the financial benefits of education. He dreams of becoming a professor to help lift his family out of poverty. For Joseph, becoming a professor is about being an inspiration to his family. “Professors are seen as the peak of academia. They’re leaders, they’re respected, and they represent everything I want to be,” Joseph explained. Joseph views his journey to becoming a professor as a way to show his family that education is not just valuable, it’s essential.

Joseph wants to challenge the narrative his family has lived by. For them, education seemed like a luxury. But Joseph wants to change that perspective. “I want to show them that learning and education are vital for success and growth,” he said. His goal isn’t just to become a professor for himself, it’s to use his position to inspire those around him of what’s possible through dedication and hard work.

For Joseph, the Play it Forward programme was more than just a place to study. It was a place where he could focus on himself, just him and his books, without the pressures or discouragement from home. “It gave me a chance to see what education really is and why it matters,” Joseph said. The personalised attention, the safe environment, and the constant encouragement allowed him to focus.

What he valued most was the freedom to learn without fear or shame. “You don’t have to feel bad for not knowing something here,” Joseph explained. “You’re just encouraged to keep trying until you get it.”

With his Grade 12 exams on the horizon, Joseph is determined to do even better this time around, with his sights set on attending either St. Raphael’s or Hillcrest Technical Secondary School. He understands it won’t be easy, but he also knows that the Play it Forward programme is still available to support him.

Joseph’s story is a testament to what can happen when someone is given a chance. He plans to continue with the programme for as long as he can.

Though academics are a big part of his life, Joseph is more than just a student. He describes himself as someone who loves to help others. “Even if it’s something small, I just like contributing to someone’s success,” he said with a smile. His kindness and humility shine through in everything he does.

When he’s not studying, you’ll find him playing football or listening to music, both activities that help him unwind. “Football takes me to a fun place where I don’t have to think about anything else,” Joseph shared. Music, on the other hand, helps him focus, especially when the pressure is on.

Joseph Peche’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and the power of education. His dream of becoming a professor is about more than just personal success, it’s about changing the narrative for his family and showing them that education is a path worth following. Thanks to the support of the Play it Forward programme, Joseph is well on his way to achieving that dream. His story is a reminder that sometimes, all someone needs is a chance and the belief that they can do better.