A young man from Liberia has become a national hero after he found $50,000 on the street and returned the money to its rightful owner. Because of his heroism, 18-year-old Emmanuel Tuloe has been invited by the President of the Republic, George Weah, to a meeting that will take place next week.
Tuloe was driving his motorcycle taxi when he found the money wrapped in a plastic bag. “I was afraid because it was a lot of money, so I took it home and gave it to my aunt. That way I could keep it until they found the owner.” The same day, the teenage businesswoman heard Musu Yancy on the radio, saying she had lost money and begging the finder to return the money.
The Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission has since praised the teenager for his act. Although Tuloe says he gets a lot of praise, he is also mocked by other people for his decision. The act is therefore very unusual in a country like Liberia, where many people suffer from poverty due to, among other things, the many civil wars that have already raged there. “Some people say I made a stupid decision,” Tuloe said. “They believe that by my act I will die poor.” The teen even received threats.
Back to school
Still, the young man is convinced that he did the right thing. The businesswoman rewarded Tuloe with money and stuff worth about 1500 dollars (about 1300 euros), including a mattress. “That’s a gift for my grandmother,” Tuloe says proudly.
A meeting with the Liberian president is also planned. “When I meet the president, I’ll tell him I want to go back to school.” The boy had to leave school to run a taxi company. That way he could earn money and help his family. “I will ask him to encourage other young people to go to school as well,” concludes the national hero.
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