05/04/2026
Life thought me not to give up
FROM DUST TO GRACE A TRUE LIFE STORY
PART 1
My name is Delta Yerima. I was born in 1981 in the northern part of Nigeria, into a family where survival was more important than education.
From a very young age, my life was not about books but responsibility. While other children were going to school, I was in the bush rearing goats for my family. At 12 years old, I had never stepped into a classroom. I had no school uniform, no writing materials, and sometimes not even enough clothes to change. Education was only a dream—one my background could not afford.
My parents did not understand the value of education. To them, survival came first. The goats were our livelihood, and I was the one taking care of them. When the idea of sending me to school came up, they objected strongly. Their concern was simple: “Who will take care of the goats?” To them, losing help at home was more serious than gaining education.
Life pushed me to find ways to survive. Sometimes, just to earn a living, I learned how to design local chairs. We would cut trees, shape the wood into simple seats, and sell them to make money. It was not easy, but that was how I contributed to my family—through hard work and learning skills the hard way.
At the age of 15, something unexpected happened. My brother, who was working in the city, came back home. He saw my condition and it touched him deeply. He called a family meeting and insisted that I must be given a chance to go to school. There was resistance and doubt, but he did not give up.
A decision was finally made. Instead of leaving me behind, my brother pushed for a solution. I was enrolled, along with others, into home lessons. That was where my journey truly began.
At 15 years old, I started learning A, B, C and how to count numbers—like a child, but with a heart full of determination.
My story is not just about poverty. It is about hard work, second chances, and the power of one person who believes in you. From rearing goats, to carving chairs just to survive, to finally holding a book—my journey had begun.
👉 If this story touched you, like, comment, and share… because Part 2 is coming, and that is where the real journey begins. 🚀
