The Escape to Education

    By Filipe Oscar Manjate

    The Escape to Education cover image

    06 Apr, 2024

    a boy stands in a village with a group of people in the background and a sky background with clouds, serial art, a comic book panel, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), graphic novel

    Once upon a time in Mozambique, there was a boy named Zezinho. He was known for his constant absence from school and his poor grades. Because of this, his classmates often made fun of him, calling him "burrinho," or "little donkey."

    a boy standing in a field with a herd of cows behind him and a tree in the background with a sky background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Asaf Hanuka, western comic book art

    The truth was, Zezinho's stepfather, Uncle Buffalo, forced him to skip school to look after the cattle. This left the young boy with no time to focus on his studies.

    a woman and a child are standing in a room with a door open and a picture of a man on the wall, serial art, a comic book panel, Altichiero, comic cover art

    Tired of this, Zezinho confided in his mother, Dona Joana. However, fearing her husband, she pretended not to know about it and told Zezinho that everything was fine.

    a boy running down a dirt path in a field with cows in the background and a sky with clouds, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    One day, Zezinho woke up with a plan. As usual, he took the cattle out to graze, but this time, he had a different plan. He abandoned the cattle and ran away.

    a man with a backpack walking down a street in a city with people walking around him and buildings in the background, lyco art, a comic book panel, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), graphic novel

    His destination was Maputo, where he hoped to find peace and an opportunity to study. However, without any relatives in Maputo, Zezinho found himself living on the streets, surviving on leftover food.

    a man with a backpack is standing in the street in front of a crowd of people and buildings,, private press, a comic book panel, Cliff Childs, rossdraws global illumination

    One day, as Zezinho was trying to find some food, a man named Estevão saw him. Estevão was returning from church when he noticed the young boy and decided to help him.

    a man and a child standing in front of a door with a door handle on it and a door handle on the door, sots art, a storybook illustration, Eddie Mendoza, storybook illustration

    Estevão took Zezinho in, giving him a safe place to stay. He also helped Zezinho get enrolled in school, thus giving the young boy a chance at education.

    a man sitting at a desk with a book and pen in his hand and a lamp on the side, harlem renaissance, a character portrait, F. Scott Hess, character portrait

    With Estevão's help, Zezinho was able to focus on his studies. He worked hard, determined to make the most of this opportunity. His grades improved, and he became a model student.

    a man standing in front of a crowd of people on a city street with buildings in the background and a sky background, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Adam Manyoki, graphic novel

    As time passed, Zezinho grew up to be a successful entrepreneur. He never forgot his past and the hardships he faced. He used his success to give back to society.

    a boy is writing in a classroom full of children sitting at desks and looking at the camera with a pencil, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, rossdraws global illumination

    Zezinho started a foundation to help children who, like him, lacked the means to study. He wanted to ensure that no child had to give up on education because of their circumstances.

    a cartoon boy standing in a library with books on the shelves and a backpack on his shoulder, with a backpack on his shoulder, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Zezinho's story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of education. His journey from a bullied boy to a successful entrepreneur is an inspiration to many.

    a woman and a child standing in front of a house with a red roof and a red bricked building, serial art, a comic book panel, Ella Guru, comic cover art

    His mother, Dona Joana, is proud of the man her son has become. She regrets not standing up for him when he was younger, but she's grateful for the opportunities he has now.

    a man and a woman standing in front of a house at sunset with a sunset in the background and a man in overalls and a white shirt, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Ernest Briggs, comic cover art

    Meanwhile, Uncle Buffalo had changed too. After Zezinho's departure, he realized the error of his ways and apologized to Dona Joana. But, he couldn't help but feel guilty about Zezinho's hardships.

    a man standing in front of a classroom full of students with a book in his hand and a book in his other hand, harlem renaissance, a storybook illustration, Adam Manyoki, official art

    Zezinho forgave his Uncle Buffalo and even invited him to be a part of his foundation. Uncle Buffalo agreed and decided to dedicate the rest of his life to helping children get an education.

    a man and a boy are standing in front of a bookcase and a window with a book in it, sots art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, storybook illustration

    Estevão, who had become a father figure to Zezinho, was proud of the man he had helped raise. He saw Zezinho's success not just as his own achievement, but as a victory for all children who struggle to study.

    a boy is holding a book in front of a group of children in a street with buildings in the background, afrofuturism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Today, Zezinho's foundation has helped hundreds of children get access to education. His story continues to inspire many, and his efforts have brought about significant changes in his community.

    a cartoon of a boy standing in front of a group of children in a city street with buildings in the background, afrofuturism, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, graphic novel

    Zezinho often visits the streets of Maputo, where he once lived. He shares his story with the children there, hoping to inspire them to dream big, just like he did.

    a boy in a suit standing in front of a chalkboard with a lot of writing on it and a pencil in his hand, academic art, a character portrait, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), character art

    He believes that every child deserves a chance to study and to make their dreams come true. He works tirelessly to make this belief a reality, one child at a time.

    a boy standing on a city street with a backpack on his back and people walking on the sidewalk behind him, american realism, a comic book panel, Altichiero, comic cover art

    Zezinho's story serves as a reminder that circumstances do not define us. It's our determination and the choices we make that shape our future.

    a boy standing in a library holding a book and looking at the camera with a book in his hand, sots art, a character portrait, Everett Warner, character portrait

    From a young boy who was bullied and forced to work instead of studying, to a successful entrepreneur helping others get an education, Zezinho's journey has truly been remarkable.

    a young boy standing in a narrow alley way with a backpack on his shoulder and a backpack on his shoulder, serial art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    His story is a beacon of hope for those who face similar challenges. Zezinho is a living testament that with hard work, determination, and a little help, any obstacle can be overcome.

    a cartoon of a boy standing in front of a classroom full of students with a book and pencil in his hand, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Zezinho continues to work towards his mission, striving to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to study and build a bright future. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education.

    a boy standing in the middle of a crowded street with a crowd of people in the background and a building with a sign on it, afrofuturism, a comic book panel, Altichiero, comic cover art

    In the end, Zezinho's journey from the fields of Mozambique to the streets of Maputo and ultimately to success serves as an inspiration not just to the children in his community, but to everyone who hears his story.

    a boy sitting in front of a book shelf filled with books and looking at the camera with a book in his hands, fantasy art, a character portrait, Everett Warner, comic cover art

    Today, Zezinho stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of education. His life is a testament to the fact that with determination and a little help, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams.

    a boy in a blue jacket is standing in the street with a crowd of people behind him and buildings, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Everett Warner, comic cover art

    Zezinho's story ends not with a period, but with a comma. Because his journey continues, as he works tirelessly to help others follow in his footsteps, proving that even the most difficult circumstances can be transformed into stepping stones towards success.

    The Escape to Education

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