Meet our Students!
Amatu Tahiru
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Amatu was born in Tamale (in the northern region of Ghana). She stayed in Tamale until she was seven years old with her Grandmother. When she was seven her mother sent for her to come live in Accra with her mother and father.
Both of Amatu’s parents were only educated through primary school because of finances. Her mother is a cleaning lady and her father is a taxi driver. They work hard to support the family but often money is a struggle and it is difficult to put food on the table. Her parents want the best for her and dream of her graduating. The story of how Amatu entered the program is one of a dedicated student. Amatu realized that the founders of Ghana Educational Collaborative were spending time at her school tutoring and mentoring. She decided that she wanted to be a part of a program that was helping students learn. Daily she would find where the students in the program were meeting. She was determined to prove how smart was. The founders of the program were so impressed they looked further into Amatu and found that she was a prime candidate for the program. Amatu travels to school on an over- crowded bus, for an hour each way. If she can’t get on the bus, she walks the two hours. Amatu has been first in her class ever since. Amatu hopes to one day become a lawyer in order to help create a more just Ghana. |
How you can help- For $580/year or $48/month, you will support sending Amatu to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring. Your donation will change the course of Amatu’s life pushing her to one day reach her goal of becoming a lawyer and leader in her own community.
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BEthel Nyako
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Bethel’s story is one of absolute endurance. Bethel has grown up in the Accra area in entire life. Bethel currently lives with her mother, older sister and young brother. He father left the family when Bethel’s was 7 years old because her mother had not yet given him a son, which he found to be unacceptable. He no longer wants anything to do with Bethel or her sister. Since then her mother has had to struggle to support the family. Currently, her mother is desperately searching for work and has been unable to feed the family. They have been getting by on the generosity of others. Despite her families hardships Bethel is determined to become a lawyer. Her grandfather always wanted to be a lawyer and she wants to live out his dreams. She also wants to bring justice for the women in Ghana who are in situations similar to her mother. Bethel is a student that is well spoken and outgoing. Those that meet her are blown away by her character and spirit. As her teachers said, she is a student that you can put your money on. |
How you can help- For $580/year or $48/month, you will support sending Bethel to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring. Your donation will change the course of Bethel’s life pushing her to one day reach her goal of becoming a lawyer and leader in her own community.
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emmanuel Nkansah
How you can help- For $460/year or $38/month, you will support sending Emmanuel to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring fees. Your donation will change the course of Emmanuel’s life pushing him to one day reach his goal of becoming a scientist and leader in his community.
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Emmanuel was born in Osuben- a village in the western region of Ghana. This village does not have a nearby school. Emmanuel’s mother passed away when he was young. After her death he began to live with his grandmother in Osuben. His mother’s greatest wish before she passed was for him to complete his education.
Soon after he began to live with his grandmother she realized how intelligent he was, and decided that he should attend school in the city. For this reason Emmanuel did not start schooling until the age of seven when he was sent to Accra to live with his aunt. He is the sixth born of seven children. He has five sisters and one brother. Currently, the rest of his siblings are living with another aunt in Accra. Emmanuel father is a bus driver and is unable to take care of the children. Emmanuel’s aunt is a dressmaker and solely supports the family. She works seven days a week from six am to ten pm. It is a struggle to put food on the table. Emmanuel was recommended to the program by the headmistress of University Staff Village School. All of his teachers agree that he is a bright and dedicated student who can put a smile on anyone’s face. |
Frank Asare
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Frank was born in the Volta Region of Ghana and grew up in an area called Mempeasem. When Frank was one year old his mother brought him to his grandparents home on Christmas Day. His mother told his Grandmother she was going to pick up something and would return to the home. No one has seen or heard from Frank’s mother in nine years. Due to this Frank has grown up never knowing his mother and has lived with his grandparents who raised him as their own son. Frank’s grandparents finished school through the basic level. Currently, Frank’s grandmother is ill with diabetes and has not been able to work and though he is older, Frank’s grandfather repairs fridges to bring in money for the family. Frank is consistently first in his class. He is determined to be excellent in his education. Even when he does not have any money for school or food he goes to school in hopes that someone will still teach him. He believes in the power of his education and is convicted that he will succeed for his grandparents. |
How you can help- For $580/year or $48/month, you will support sending Frank to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring. Your donation will change the course of Frank’s life pushing him to one day reach his goal of becoming a doctor and leader in his own community.
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Godwin Kpodo
How you can help- For $2,000/year or $168/month, you will support sending Godwin to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring. This donation will change the course of Godwin’s life, pushing him to one day reach his goal of becoming a doctor, minister and leader in his own community.
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Godwin grew up in the Volta Region (a southern region in Ghana) with both of his parents, his three brothers and three sisters. He is the third oldest in his family. His father only attended up to primary school and is a welder. His mother also was only able to attended primary school and is a trader, selling food provisions. His family moved to Accra when he in junior secondary school in hopes of getting better jobs.
Upon moving to Accra his parents were taking care of the six siblings and seven other family members that stayed with them. Godwin’s father is not always able to find work so money is very limited to support the seventeen people in the household. Due to the fact that Godwin’s parents did not have money for a home they had to “squat” on a piece of land that was owned by another family. Squatting left the family unsure of how long their living situation would last. Godwin came into the program on the pleas of teachers at GEC’s biggest partner school. Godwin’s teacher boosted of what an exceptional student he was. Upon entering the program Godwin has been nothing but impressive going as far as to start a youth outreach club modeled after GEC in his high school. |
ISAAC ANANE
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Isaac’s teacher speaks very highly of him, stating he is a quick learner and strong academically. She noted his drive to learn the curriculum she is teaching.
Isaac is originally from the African country of Togo. At a young age, Isaac was abandoned by his parents, causing him to move in with his older brother in the Volta Region. Although his brother had hoped to give Isaac a better life, he was no longer able to continue paying for Isaac to attend school. Isaac was eventually sent to live with his new guardians in Ghana's capital, Accra, to become "house help." Because Isaac only received an elementary school education in Togo, Isaac was enrolled in the third grade at Bawaleshie Primary School in Accra. His teacher quickly saw how motivated and serious he was about getting an education, and soon promoted him to the 4th grade. When Isaac is not at school he sells kenkey, a local sourdough dumpling. While selling kenkey, he makes time to study and complete his homework. Isaac wants to become a solider after he completes school. |
For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Isaac to school, paying his books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Isaac’s life pushing him to one day reach his goal of being a civil engineer and becoming a leader who effects wide scale change within his own community.
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Linda Ayaaminyeka
How you can help- For $580/year or $48/month, you will support sending Linda to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring fees. Your donation will change the course of Linda’s life pushing her to one day reach her goal of becoming a doctor and leader in her community.
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Linda was born in Accra. She is the third and only girl of four children. She lives with her mother in a wooden structure where there is no electricity or running water. Her mother is a petty trader who sells fruits when they are in season.
Linda’s vivacious personality makes her stand-out and her desire to learn and “be the best” helps her to continue to overcome hardships and see only opportunities. Her teachers report that she does not just want to study to be the best but that she has a true love of learning and a thrust for knowledge. When she is not at school she is helping take care of her younger brother of helping her mother sell fruit. When Linda grows up she wants to be a doctor so that she can take care of her family and other sick people in her community. |
Millicent Ofotsu
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Millicent is a quiet, petite girl who her teacher describes as “academically sound and always respectful.” Millicent’s teacher was passionate in explaining to GEC that Millicent is a student that you can bet on. “She may be quiet, but she is extraordinary.”
Originally from the Volta Region, Millicent currently resides in Accra with her mother, brother and sister. Her mother sells donuts by the roadside, and her father has a declining flour business. She is in 4th grade and attends Bawaleshie School A. After attending a funeral in the Eastern region, Millicent's family returned to find their entire life savings stolen. For the months following the theft, her parents were unable to replenish goods to sell, which had a profound effect on her family. Millicent’s favorite subject is Religious and Moral Education (RME) and her least favorite subject is Ga Language, which is is a Kwa language spoken in and around Ghana's capital, Accra. In the future Millicent would like to become a medical doctor, so she can give back to her community by serving those with physical ailments. |
For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Millicent to school, paying her books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Millicent’s life pushing her to one day reach her goal of being a doctor and becoming a leader who effects wide scale change within her own community.
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Priscilla Hanson
Priscilla was born in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. At a young age, Priscilla’s mother was forced to drop out of school due to the high cost. Wanting a better education for her children, Priscilla’s mother moved the family to Accra when Priscilla was six years old.
Priscilla’s mother is a single mother of six children. Priscilla is the youngest of her siblings. Some of her siblings have completed school and are working to support the family. Her mother sells biscuits and drinks along the side of the road to put food on the table. Priscilla is a bright, competitive and dedicated student. Her hardworking nature has been noted by her headmistress and teachers and provoked them to recommend her to the GEC program. Priscilla is always quick to help others and past teachers have even made her a cupboard girl, or student assistant to the teacher. Priscilla is passionate about learning new things and is always asking questions to try and learn more about the world. When the Ghana Educational Collaborative first began recruiting students, Priscilla immediately stood out as a leader in her class. Priscilla has aspirations of one day becoming a lawyer and helping to ensure that Ghana is a more just country. |
For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Priscilla to school, paying her books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Priscilla’s life pushing her to one day reach her goal of becoming a lawyer to help make Ghana a more just country.
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Prince Anponsah
For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Prince to school, paying his books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Prince’s life pushing him to one day reach his goal of being a civil engineer and becoming a leader who effects wide scale change within his own community.
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Prince is bright and loved by many at University Staff Village School. He often greets people with his signature smile and salute.
Prince’s biological parents live in the Eastern Region. He is the youngest child of 10 siblings. He relocated to Accra to live with his aunt and uncle who saw great potential in him. Prince's uncle drives a truck for the water company, and his aunt sells lamps. Prince's favorite subjects are math and science. He does chores around the house and likes playing soccer during free time. Jollof Rice is his favorite meal to eat. Prince desires to be a civil engineer because he wants to “build the world.” Following in the footsteps of his brother, Prince also wants to work for Nestle. |
Richard Arkoh
How you can help- For $500/year or $42/month, you will support sending Richard to school, paying for books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, and mentoring. This donation will change the course of Richard’s life, pushing him to one day reach his goal of becoming a soldier and leader in his own community.
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Richard was born in Bobekuma in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Richard’s family moved to Accra in hopes of a better life outside of the village. The family had very little money so was forced to moved to an area called Sweduro this is a well known slum in Accra that has a large amount of violence and drugs. Richard lived their with his mother, father and four siblings. Richard’s mother and father both sell second hand clothes and were not able to attend school themselves.
Richard’s neighborhood became worse overtime. Due to the level of drugs, violence and finance troubles, Richard’s parents had him stop schooling for two years. Richard’s parents were desperate for a better life for their son so they sent him to live with his uncle in a better area. Richard’s uncle graciously took Richard in and began raising him as his own son. Richard’s uncle is a weaver who does everything that he can to ensure that Richard is receiving an education. There is often no money in the house for extra things so Richard must walk the hour and a half to school and not take money with him for food. Richard is determined about his education and never complains because he knows that with education comes a better life. |
Ramatu Abrahim Ramatu was born in Paga in the Northern Region of Ghana, where there is a serious lack of access to education for girls. When Ramatu was two years old, she came to Accra to live with her auntie so she could get a quality education. Last year, her younger sister Lukaya also came to Accra to live with Ramatu and her auntie. Together, they live with their aunt and five cousins. Her auntie sells porridge by the roadside and is struggling financially to support her children and nieces from one small income.
Ramatu is now going into class 5. Her favorite subject in school is French. Ramatu’s teacher noticed how smart she was and nominated her for GEC this year. “Education is important to me because I want to grow up and become a good person. I hope to take care of my mother, cousins and auntie. GEC can help me do this.” For fun, Ramatu enjoys playing with friends, running and spending time with her cousins. |
How you can help- For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Ramatu to school, paying her books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Ramatu’s life pushing her to one day reach her goal of becoming a teacher and a leader who effects wide scale change within her own community.
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Sadik Anponsah
How you can help- For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Sadik to school, paying his books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Sadik’s life pushing him to one day reach his goal of being a doctor and leader in his community.
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Sadik was born in the Eastern Region of Ghana and when he was four, his family moved to Accra because his father needed a job.
Sadik currently lives with his father, mother, sister and two brothers in Accra. Sadik’s dad works three jobs to support the family of six and his mom sells bagged water on the street. Sadik attends University Staff school and loves math and science. He hopes to one day become a doctor so he can take care of people if they are sick, like his little brother who recently had Malaria. For fun, Sadik likes football and volleyball. His favorite food is jollof rice with chicken. “Education is important to me because everywhere you go, you need to use your education. I need my family to become great and take care of me so when I grow up I can also take care of them. I am excited to be in GEC because GEC is making me learn hard, and I am very proud. I’m glad to have my education paid for so I can become a doctor one day. |
Sheila MakuviaSheila was born in the Northern Region of Ghana. Due to the lack of access to education in the north and the hope for better work, Sheila’s mother moved the family to Accra. Struggling to make ends meet, her mother decided to send Sheila to live with her auntie when she was 11.
Sheila now lives with her auntie, uncle and three cousins in a one room structure. Her aunt is a cleaner and uncle a carpenter. Sheila’s aunt is currently struggling to take care of all four children living in the house. Shelia is 13 years old and in Grade 5 at University Staff where her teacher noticed how bright she was and nominated her for the GEC scholarship. “The day I found out about my scholarship was the happiest day of my life. Education has been important to me because I want to be a good person in the future.” After graduation, Sheila hopes to go to university and become a doctor and make sure patients are cared for. For fun, she enjoys singing and eating fried rice with chicken. “I want people who donate to know that I will take this seriously, behave very well and work hard to get good marks.” |
For $500 for the year, or $42.00 a month you will be able to support sending Shelia to school, paying her books, tuition, extra class fees, food, school supplies, housing essentials, family support, mentoring feeds and on-going support. This donation will fundamentally change the course of Shelia’s life pushing her to one day reach his goal of being a doctor and becoming a leader who effects wide scale change within her own community.
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