There was a poor boy who lived with his parents. His name was Terna. His parents were very poor. They could not send him to school.

"Many children around us are going to school, our son cannot," said Terna's mother. "But where can we get money to send our son to school?" asked father. Let's farm more maize, we will feed with some and sell some, " mother suggested.

That is how Terna was able to go to school. He was intelligent, smart and came tops in his class. "Work hard, son, it pays to work hard," urged mother.

Terna studied very well and read his books to remain at the top of his class. He read in the night with the kerosine lamp while studying hard for the national quiz competition and excelled.

Terna always represented his school at local and national competitions. He soon won a scholarship to study overseas from a national quiz competition.

Father and mother were very proud of their son. They were excited at his success and the opportunity to study overseas. "See what we always tell you that it pays to work hard?" said mother and father. They hugged and patted his back.

On his departure, his mother and father were not happy as they said good bye to their only son. This is what will change your life and ours. "Go well son, always remember that it pays to work hard," they said with tears in their eyes.

Many, many years later, Terna returned home. He built a beautiful house for his poor parents. He also bought a car for them. "Surely, it pays to work hard," said mother and father.