Chapter 13-The Unexpected Test

Eric clenched his fists. This was worse than any criticism. This was sabotage.

A crowd was gathering, students whispering and pointing. Some looked angry, others disappointed.

"Now what?" Ama asked.

For the first time, Eric had no answer. He felt like sitting down and giving up. What was the point if people would just destroy his efforts?

Then he heard a voice.

"We're not stopping."

It was Kwesi.

Eric turned to him, surprised.

Kwesi crossed his arms. "If they think we'll give up, then they don't know us. We'll find another way."

Eric blinked. He had expected Kwesi to be the first one to make fun of him, not to stand by his side.

"But the flowers are gone," another student said. "What can we do?"

Eric took a deep breath. He looked at the students around him—his team, his classmates, even some younger kids who had been looking forward to the event. They were counting on him.

And a leader doesn't quit.

"We'll replant," he said firmly.

"But how?" Ama asked. "The event is tomorrow."

Eric thought for a moment. Then he turned to Kwesi. "You live near the market, right?"

"Yeah."

"Do you know where we can buy new seedlings?"

Kwesi scratched his head. "I think so. But seedlings cost money."

Eric turned to Ama. "Didn't Mr. Ofori say we could come to him if we needed anything?"

Ama's eyes widened. "You think he'll help again?"

"There's only one way to find out," Eric said.

A Late-Night Mission

That evening, Eric and his father went to visit Mr. Ofori.

"You need more seedlings?" the businessman asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, sir," Eric said. "Some students ruined the first ones, but we won't let that stop us."

Mr. Ofori studied him for a long moment, then smiled. "Now that is the attitude of a real leader."

He made a phone call, and within minutes, arrangements were made. By morning, new seedlings would be delivered to the school.

Eric couldn't believe it. "Thank you, sir!"

"Don't thank me yet," Mr. Ofori said. "Make sure this project succeeds. A leader's strength is tested when things go wrong."

Eric nodded. He would not let him down.

The Clean & Green Challenge Begins

The next morning, Eric arrived at school before anyone else. The seedlings were there, just as promised. As students started arriving, the excitement returned.

"We're still doing it?" one boy asked.

"Of course," Eric said. "Nothing will stop us!"

Cheers erupted. Soon, students were rushing to their assigned areas, eager to start.

For hours, they worked. Litter was cleared, old desks were scrubbed, and the dusty compound began to transform. Near the assembly hall, the new flowers were planted—this time with extra care.

Even some of the teachers, including Mr. Mensah, joined in.

Eric wiped sweat from his forehead, watching it all unfold. This was more than just a competition now. It was proof that determination could overcome anything.

When the final whistle blew, the school had never looked better.

Mr. Boateng, the headmaster, walked around with his hands behind his back, inspecting the work. Finally, he turned to the students.

"I must admit," he said, "I was doubtful about this. But today, you have all proven that real change starts with small actions."

He looked at Eric.

"And real leaders do not give up when things go wrong."

Eric stood a little taller.

Mr. Mensah stepped forward. "After careful consideration, we have chosen the winner of this challenge…" He paused for effect.

"The Green House!"

Cheers erupted from the Green House members. Other houses clapped, some grumbling but smiling nonetheless.

Mr. Mensah handed over the brand-new football to the winning team, but Eric knew the real victory belonged to all of them.

As the students began celebrating, Ama nudged him. "You did it."

"No," Eric said, smiling as he looked around. "We did it."

And for the first time, he truly believed that the dream of making Ghana great had already begun.