Hello everyone,
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
My name is Isaac Belaich. I am part of a 'Moral Ambition' circle (founded by Rutger Bregman). The goal of this movement is simple but powerful: to encourage people to use their talent and experience to make a tangible contribution to a better world.
Driven by this conviction, I started looking for people who need help launching impactful projects. That is how I came into contact with Felicity Manu Fekaa and her project: ‘SkillBridge Foundation’ (originally EmpowerAbility Ghana).
After a Zoom call, I was blown away by her preparatory work. Together with Ernest Afenyo who is a local advisor specialising in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and working for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), a member of the German development cooperation, a well-laid-out plan is ready that can change lives. I decided immediately that I had to help her.
Why is this necessary? The story of the toffees. SkillBridge Foundation was born from a personal experience that stayed with her for over a decade. While working as a journalist in Ghana, Felicity met a young man with a physical disability for an article she was writing. She soon discovered he was a genius: number 1 in his class, incredibly intelligent, and eager to learn. A child full of promise who, with the right support, could have gone very far.
Years later, Felicity looked him up again. She saw a man at the market selling toffees. It was that same brilliant boy.
Why was he selling Toffees? His physical disability had sidelined him in the Ghanaian system. Schools and workplaces are often inaccessible, and discrimination forms a huge barrier. As a result, around 2 million children and young adults in Ghana miss the chance to utilise their talents. This situation affects not only them but also their families and the economy.
Our Solution: SkillBridge Foundation We do not want to view inclusion as 'charity' but as a smart investment.
Our plan is concrete:
- Free, accessible training: We offer skill training that matches labour market demand and is supported by technology adapted to the student's disability.
- Not a fish, but a fishing rod: We don't just hand out cash; we focus on skills and infrastructure. This ensures empowerment, sustainability, and independence.
- For them, by them: This project is being developed in consultation with people with disabilities, not just for them.
- Scalable: We are starting locally but building a model that can be rolled out across Africa.
Help us take the first step SkillBridge Foundation is looking for designers, spokespeople, and developers. However, the first phase requires seed capital to commence.
This project touches me personally as well. I grew up with various medical challenges, but I was lucky enough to be born in a country where I received a good education despite my limitations. I wish that opportunity for everyone.
Every cent you donate contributes directly to breaking down barriers and improving lives. Even 5 or 10 euros makes a difference.
Do you want to read more about our extensive roadmap? Click on this link: SkillBridge Foundation
Our Concept website is also live now so please take a look at it:
Thank you for your support!
Warm regards,
Isaac Belaich & Felicity Manu Fekaa
Organizer
