"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

Hello!

My name is Olivia Calias; I am a Junior at Clemson University, studying to be a doctor some day! Coming from a stable and fortunate family, I am not often faced with struggles regarding basic necessities, such as food, water, comfort, or even education; Since as long as I can remember, I have never been limited when it comes to my future. When I was five and wanted to be a Rockstar, my parents let me have a concert for my neighbors. When I said I wanted to be a chef, my grandparents made me menus, an apron, and chef hat. I had the power to be whatever I wanted because I was able to have good, consistent education. I have been so fortunate throughout my life, which is why I began this project!

In a desperate search for independence and purpose I traveled to Ghana, Africa completely alone in May 2021. I needed to find my "why" in order to continue on the challenging path to becoming a doctor; I knew that traveling to a place where advances in medicine were lacking and help was needed was what I needed to do.

To say my time in the village of Frankadua was life-changing would be an understatement. I came in there expecting to patch up some wounds, administer malaria tests, and embrace a new culture, but I left the beautiful country with a desire to bring opportunities and support to the children living in Ghana. During my time there, my group traveled to local schools to conduct malaria testing and prescribe medicine for those who tested positive, which was about 30-40% at each school we visited. It is a known fact that healthcare in Africa is lacking, but there are many other organizations that are working to fix that. As a pre-med student, many of you would assume I am doing this to fix the health discrepancies among the world, but while I was there I found another issue that I feel needs to be brought to light.

During our testing, we visited a vocational school where teenagers and young adults study a specific trade, similar to the system we have here in America. I was pleased to see so many people striving to learn a skill that promises some kind of stability in their future, however, I was quickly discouraged. After meeting with the headmaster of the school, it was brought to my attention that out of 394 students, less than half would be able to graduate. In order to get their certifications they must pay their full tuition, along with any fees included in their final exams. Providing food, housing, and clothing is already a daunting task for many families. Tuition for the three semesters is 1161 ghs, or about $200. This is a large sum of money that is often used to afford the necessities for basic survival, rather than on education. By investing in the education system in Africa, we are investing in the future of the world. The child you support, could become the doctor that creates a vaccine for Malaria or becomes a top business man/woman, who lessens poverty in Africa. I cannot tell you what the children will do with the opportunities we are offering them, but just like anyone else, they deserve the chance to make a difference. By neglecting their education we are telling them that they are not powerful enough to make a change, and I do not believe that. After spending a short time with students of all ages, their thirst for knowledge and desire to create a good life for themselves was evident, so I promised to do all I can to help.

Although not all of you will have the time, money, or freedom to travel to Africa and see these things for yourself, you will have to trust me when I say that these students are desperate for the opportunities that many of us take for granted. By donating to the account I have created for the tuition at the Annum Vocational Training and Technical School, we are giving them the chance to dream about becoming a doctor, a rock star, a fashion designer, or a world-known chef. We are removing the boundaries that these children have on their dreams. By funding their education, we are telling them that even though there are thousands of miles separating us, we still acknowledge the potential they have.

Each student is required to pay 200$ each year to attend school and take their exams. There are 394 students enrolled in this vocational school, so the total tuition for an entire year would be $78,800. I do not expect to be able to raise this entire amount, but help me lessen the stress each family feels. Please donate whatever you can as a way to invest in the future of each and every child.

These are some pictures I took when visiting the Annum Vocational Training and Technical School! As you can see, the learning environment is not as advanced as we are accustomed to, but the classes remain packed with students, eager to learn and grow.