NightengaleBen

Goodwall - The Life Changing App is the inspiring story of Dera, a sixteen-year-old student in Senior Secondary School. Dera’s dream was to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) alongside her classmates, but her parents were unable to afford the registration fees.

As the WASSCE registration deadline approached, Dera found herself in a difficult predicament. However, unwavering support from her family and the encouraging words of Mrs. Nnaji kept her determined, despite facing ridicule from others.

One day, Dera’s elder brother, Andrew, returned from his own school and shared with Dera about Goodwall, an app that had helped countless students. Initially, it seemed too good to be true, but Dera decided to give it a try by participating in Goodwall challenges.

Goodwall-The Life Changing App by Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Customers expressed interest in purchasing Dera's bicycle at a low price, emphasising its pre-owned status as a motivating factor. Emeka felt the temptation to sell it, regardless of the meager offers. However, he remained conflicted about whether or not to proceed with the sale. The bicycle held sentimental value as it had been a gift from Andrew to Dera, and Emeka knew the immense effort his son had put into saving money to buy it for his sister. Though the family faced financial difficulties, Emeka couldn't shake the feeling that Andrew would be somewhat saddened by the decision to part with the bicycle. In that moment, he longed for a pawnshop, but unfortunately, such establishments were absent in Imo State.

Just as Emeka wrestled with his thoughts, a young girl in her late teens entered the shop, twirling her long black hair around her fingers while surveying her surroundings.

'I heard about this bicycle and came to see if I could purchase it,' the girl said, approaching the bicycle. She was wearing a button-down denim shirtdress and flat leather sandals. 'I assumed your family must be in dire need of money to consider selling Dera's bicycle. Poor people are always so prideful, aren't they? They talk about dignity, but what good is dignity without money, huh?' She turned to Emeka and scoffed. 'Dera is a beautiful girl. If you can't afford her school fees anymore, just marry her off. Anyway, how much are you asking for the bicycle? Since you won't accept money for free, I'll buy it and donate it to underprivileged children.' Her tone dripped with arrogance as she shifted her gaze towards the bicycle.

'This is not a bicycle shop, young lady,' Emeka replied, making an effort to maintain his composure despite the girl's insolence.

'I'm well aware of that, Sir Emeka. Would 5,000 naira be sufficient? Considering we reside in the same neighbourhood, I hope you can provide it at a discounted price. After all, it is a second-hand bicycle,' she retorted, firmly expressing her viewpoint.

Emeka took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. 'Rebecca, the bicycle is no longer available for sale. If you're looking to purchase a bicycle, I suggest visiting a proper bicycle shop.'

'Please inform Dera that I attempted to assist, but her father declined my kindness,' she sneered before storming out of the shop.

Emeka chose to disregard her comments and shifted his attention to two young boys who had just entered the shop, ready to assist them with their needs.

Chapter Thirty-Three