Let's help Jesse get to school and secure his future!

My name is Marilyn, I’m from London, UK but have lived in Ghana for many years.

During my time here I have been blessed to meet so many caring, helpful people including Bernard who does various odd jobs for me such as electrical repairs, car mechanics and DIY around the home. He is always looking out for my wellbeing.

And now it’s my turn to help Bernard – please continue to read why I’m doing this.

2 months ago, Bernard’s wife Gifty died leaving him all alone in looking after their 2 boys, Livingston, now 12 and Jesse, now 9. They previously had another baby who sadly died soon after birth.

(Bernard with his much loved wife Gifty, son Livingston and baby Jesse)

Jesse, the 9-year-old, was born with hole in his heart, a cleft palate, hernia and other medical complications that required surgery. He underwent a number of intricate operations to rearrange the soft-tissue in his mouth to repair his palate, along with having his hernia removed, and correction of the hole in his heart between the left and right ventricle.

(Jesse 2 months old)

As a family friend, I supported them financially so that Jesse could undergo the surgeries from around 10 months old. During that time, some people proposed that he should be sacrificed to the river gods due to cultural beliefs and superstitions around disabilities, believing that Jesse would have no chance of survival.

(Jesse's first operation at 10 months old)

Since then, Jesse has defied the odds developing into a young boy who is academically bright, very good with numbers and skilled in using computers and technology. Although he cannot hear or speak, he can communicate by pointing or pulling you towards what he needs.

(Jesse with his dad's tools, he loves helping out!)

In Ghana, there is no welfare state to support you if you are out of employment or a carer. This means that Bernard must continue to work, to provide a home for his family and food to eat each day.

Despite the most recent loss of his beloved wife Gifty, who died suddenly from a bleed on the brain, he continues to be the best father he can to Jesse and his brother.

But honestly, this is becoming more and more difficult to do.

Bernard is an electrician, originally from Cape Coast now living in Tema, who works long hours sometimes leaving at 6am and not coming back until 10pm.

And now he must do this while taking Jesse with him. Jesse currently doesn’t have a school place as he was looked after every day by his mum, who he desperately misses.

(Mum Gifty with baby Jesse)

With all his physical challenges and now experiencing the feelings of loss and grief, Jesse needs to be able to access personalised support in a school that will give him the opportunities to grow, learn and flourish just like any other child.

The School

Haven International School in Community 18, Tema is committed to excellence in inclusive education.

https://havenint.org/

Securing a place here for Jesse would increase his learning outcomes, develop his current abilities, and nurture hidden talents and skills in a space that could cater to his individual requirements.

This would remove a huge worry from his dad’s mind and give the family access to a wider network of professional care and expertise.

(Students and Teachers at Haven International School)

Haven International School provides quality education from pre-school to basic 9 with a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), along with interventions for children with learning difficulties and delays, additionally having a centre with tools and resources for parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities and autism.*

We believe Jesse will thrive here!

(Haven International School building, garden and playarea)

If Jesse were able to go here, he would be in a safe and stimulating environment suitable for his complex needs, and his dad Bernard would be able to continue to work each day without having to worry about Jesse possibly hurting himself or getting in the way of dangerous electrical work.

What this fundraiser would cover:

* “Children with disabilities often lose out on an education because they are ‘invisible’ in data and overlooked during the implementation of education programs. They are seldom counted as out-of-school or school going children. In the absence of conveniently located schools, disability-friendly infrastructure and learning environments, children with disabilities, have irregular attendance, long periods of absence and finally drop out.” - UNICEF

A big THANK YOU! from Jesse if you can help him go to Haven International School and create a brighter future for him and his family.