A young boy from Bedford, Nova Scotia, has recently become a member of Mensa International, a prestigious society for individuals with exceptional intelligence. Elijah Kodzo Motey, a six-year-old prodigy, is among the 50 Nova Scotians who have qualified for Mensa membership by scoring in the top two percent of standardized IQ tests.
Elijah’s parents, Mercy Mutale Motey and Delali Motey, are elated and proud of their son’s achievement. They noticed his advanced intellect early on, as he displayed remarkable abilities such as spelling complex words and teaching himself to read and write at a very young age. His natural aptitude for mathematics was evident when he effortlessly tackled multiplication tables at just two years old.
To ensure Elijah receives the necessary support and resources for his giftedness, his parents sought Mensa’s assistance. Although Mensa typically assesses individuals aged 14 and above, Elijah underwent testing by a psychologist, and his results were submitted to Atlantic Mensa for consideration. His acceptance into the society did not come as a surprise to his father, given Elijah’s exceptional mathematical skills and intelligence.
Elijah, who attends a French-language elementary school, excels in subjects like math, physical education, and reading. His bilingual upbringing and academic accomplishments reflect his enthusiasm for learning and exploring new interests. Mensa Canada’s Atlantic regional representative, Barry Schmidl, emphasized that Mensa provides a supportive community for highly intelligent individuals, fostering intellectual discussions and connections.
Elijah’s mother underscores the importance of advocating for children’s educational needs, regardless of their abilities. She maintains open communication with school administrators to ensure Elijah is appropriately challenged. Despite his young age, Elijah’s future is promising, with his parents encouraging him to pursue his passions and continue expanding his knowledge and skills.
As Elijah embarks on his intellectual journey, his family remains supportive and optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for their gifted son.
