BAC Blanc

Epreuve orale d’anglais

10 Text : Rural exodus

Koko is a young man from a village where most people at very tender age nourish the
idea of living in a city. Born in 1954, one month after the death of his father, Koko was
brought up by his mother who also became blind due to a snake bite. Life for Koko was
unbearable from his childhood until he was sent to school by a benevolent man in their
village. After completing successfully his secondary school education, Koko preferred to go
to look for a job in the civil service. Left alone to feed and clothe herself, Mrs Kwesi led a
miserable life and died because of solitude and want.

At her funeral, an elder of Koko’s village made the following remarks concerning the
young generation:
“Before this old lady is laid to rest, I would like to address this message to our
children. It is true that the white man has brought us his civilization. People can read and
write. They can drive cars and fly in planes. The cities have attracted all those who have been
privileged to have this education. Yet we should not forget one thing: Life is better in the
village because we do not have to struggle to pay an electricity bill. Think of how we can get
money to buy some food stuffs and so on. We have our granaries full of grain. We kill a hen
when we wish and dance to the tune of traditional music without having to buy entry tickets at
cut-throat prices. It is a disgrace to mankind that our children abandon us die off slowly and
painfully as is the case today with Mrs Kwesi. Her only son among seven children is not with
us presently to share in the grief that has befallen the village community. I suggest that no
man should any longer send his child to school. These children betray us and our confidence
we have placed in them. They are traitors. We must stop this rural exodus now and the best
solution and only one is to prevent these ungrateful children from going to school.”

However, many people at the ceremony agreed with the old man but most of them
thought that other reasons could be sought and solutions proposed. Koko never set foot in the
village. In any case, he will certainly return finally for his funeral will have to take place in
the village when he dies in the city.