Life has not been easy for Philemon. He was born on 12/31/2012 in one of the poorest countries in West Africa.

In 2022, his father became ill with dengue fever. Tragically, he did not survive. Philemon’s father deeply valued education and worked tirelessly to ensure that all of his children were enrolled in school, believing education was the key to a better future.

Since his passing, Philemon’s mother has struggled to care for her large family. She worked hard to provide for her children and keep them in school, but this has become increasingly difficult. At only 44 years old, Philemon’s mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is no longer able to work and cannot afford the medical treatment she desperately needs.

As a result, the family has been forced to make painful sacrifices. Philemon’s oldest brother has dropped out of school to find work and help support the family. His older sister is in her final year of high school. Philemon is currently in ninth grade during the 2025–2026 school year, and his younger brother is in the fifth grade.