The Kingdom of Change

The Kingdom of Change Ross Merry da Gloria

One hundred years ago, there was a kingdom called Carimbala. This kingdom was ruled by King Mauleto. The people in Carimbala never spoke up about problems because King Mauleto ruled in a very tough way.

“Daddy, I want to become a teacher!” Kaisose told her father, Agosto. Agosto answered, “Who do you want to teach? The soldiers? You’re not brave enough to teach. Look—there are no women teachers.”

Kaisose felt sad to hear this. Schools for little girls who wanted to be teachers did not exist in Carimbala.

One morning, the sun shone beautifully on the kingdom of Carimbala. People were preparing to welcome King Manduki and King Fatukboot from the two great kingdoms that surrounded Carimbala.

With a friendly, smiling face, King Mauleto welcomed his guests.

The ceremony began, and King Manduki said to King Mauleto, “This kingdom is so united. I heard that you built a new school here?” “Yes, sir,” King Mauleto replied.

Suddenly a little voice said, “But we cannot go to the school!” That voice came from Kaisose, who was standing in a tall tree.

Kaisose’s father and mother were shocked and scared.

Then Kaisose yelled, “The king does not allow us to go to the school. I cannot become a teacher. Girls just stay at home and do things like cook and get water. We are not happy.”

King Mauleto was embarrassed. He had not expected this to happen.

King Manduki and King Fatukboot were angry that King Mauleto had lied about how happy his people were. Mauleto was forced to give up his crown.

While waiting for King Mauleto’s replacement to be named, Kaisose was entrusted with taking care of Carimbala and communicating with King Manduki’s and King Fatukboot’s kingdoms. Thanks to Kaisose’s courage, all women were able to go to school.