Every child deserves to learn, play, and dream. Yet, for so many children in Ghana, these basic rights are out of reach, blocked by barriers of poverty, health, or circumstance. At the Sawyerr-LaBrie Foundation, our mission is to break down these barriers, one child at a time. Today, we want to share the story of Ama.

A Dream on Hold

When we first met nine-year-old Ama, she wasn’t in a classroom. She was on the dusty roadside of a busy Accra market, helping her mother sell plantains. Her bright, curious eyes watched every time children in crisp school uniforms walked by. Ama, her mother told us, had a persistent cough that wouldn’t go away, and she had never had the opportunity to attend school. The family’s small income was just enough for food, and the cost of a uniform, books, and clinic fees was an impossible hurdle.

Ama’s story is heartbreakingly common. As our founder, Henrietta Rema Sawyerr, knows from her decades in education, “The early years of life are very critical because they lay a foundation for later development.” Without access to healthcare and a quality education, Ama’s potential was at risk of being lost.

How Your Support Stepped In

This is where the Sawyerr-LaBrie Foundation, with the help of partners like you, was able to change the narrative.

Our first step was addressing Ama’s immediate health needs. We facilitated a full health screening, where her persistent cough was diagnosed as asthma. We were able to provide her with the necessary medication and an inhaler, along with training for her mother on how to manage her condition. The change was almost immediate. Her coughing subsided, and her energy returned.

Next, we focused on her education. Our team enrolled Ama in a local partner school. We provided her with everything she needed to walk into her first day with confidence: a new uniform, a backpack filled with books and pencils, and a paid school-fee receipt.

A New Chapter Begins

Today, Ama is not just in school; she is thriving.

She is at the top of her reading class and has discovered a love for drawing. Her teachers describe her as a joyful and determined student. Her health has stabilized, allowing her to play and learn without interruption.

Ama’s mother, with the peace of mind that her daughter is healthy and educated, has been able to focus on her small business. The entire family’s future has been brightened.

One Story, Many Futures

Ama’s transformation is a powerful testament to what happens when we provide access to education and healthcare. Nelson Mandela, whose words guide our hero section, said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

There are thousands of other children just like Ama, waiting for their chance. They are children with disabilities who need advocacy, orphans who need a nurturing environment, and bright girls at risk of dropping out due to poverty.

We work closely with our partners to make sure that all children in Ghana can learn, play, and go to school with the goal of reaching their potential. But we cannot do it alone.

Be Part of the Next Success Story

Your contribution can write the next success story. It can buy the school uniform, pay for the clinic visit, or provide the assistive device that unlocks a child’s future.

Join us in giving hope.