Ghana Educational Fund
Many of you have heard of Emmanuel Bediako from various conversations with me but for those who haven't or don't know the full story, here it is.
In 2007, I embarked on a solo, spontaneous trip to West Africa. I went with a mission of simply helping people and instead, it was I who was helped. I found a country of fun, out-going, loving people who embraced me with open arms. I found myself volunteering at Golden Era International School in Accra and made it my mission to help some of these kids stay in school. During my research, I was approached by a young boy who requested a moment of my time to share his story. In five minutes, he explained his entire life to me.... how his parents passed, knowing few of his family, living with community members that took him in along the way, selling toothbrushes and toothpaste on the weekends to attempt to pay for his education despite it never being enough and in the end, repeating the words "Madam, I have to go school. I HAVE to go to school" for over one minute straight on the verge of tears. Here was a proud young boy who literally would give ANYTHING for education. It was literally his world.
Not only did I decide to help the young boy with a small scholarship, I ended up sponsoring him all the way through high school (which is similar to getting into college compared to the US) including his room and board. In return, Emmanuel has become a little brother to me and part of my Ghanaian family. He truly is a shining star with tremendous potential. He studied hard graduating high school in the top percentiles of his class and immediately entered the work force to begin saving for college. In his down time, he tutored for extra money and managed additional projects giving back all over the country including management of two school block constructions (resulting in two additional teachers to the village), researching, starting and operating a farm (which provided several local jobs), distributing 75 sets of farm safety equipment, distributing funds to community leaders and other small projects, acting as translator, and really supporting the amazing work that I've been able to do with these wonderful people.
Emmanuel has gone above and beyond to prove himself over the years and while I have always made it clear that he should work hard to find a way to get through college (I believe it builds character), I believe he's done an incredible job on his path of educating himself, gaining proper employment experience (he has worked the last several years at the same school I met him as a teacher), and finally settling on a career.
He has applied to the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, Ghana and was accepted! He is currently interning at a clinic in Accra, Ghana and I think is well on his way to becoming an amazing and caring Public Health Nurse, where he can not only make a career, but continue to help in our efforts to do good throughout the country. He has a heart of gold and is always trying to give back, despite having nearly nothing.
Given the current exchange rate, the tuition fees are quite low in USD. Emmanuel has already saved $400 USD // $1400 GHS (more than many Ghanaians make in one year) but that only scratches the surface of fees. I've had to work hard much of my life and don't believe that anything should be free, however, I'd really like to give this amazing young man a break and cover his first years expenses. He has had a lifetime of trials and tribulations and has overcome EVERY TIME with a positive attitude and hard work.
Please help us reach our goal and send Emmanuel to college. I know it's cliche but the children really are our future and this young man has given back tenfold without ever having received anything. The amount of $2000 would cover his tuition, room and board in full for one year to really allow him to focus on his studies and formulate a game plan for how to finance the remainder of his studies.
Thank you for your support!
