Samuel Azumah’s story strikes at the very core of Freedom Educational Foundation (FEF)’s mission, its essence, and birth.
During a visit to Ghana in Spring 2017, my morning walks took me on a quiet residential road called Residency Road in the neighborhood of Dakwodwom, Kumasi, Ghana where our hotel was located.
During these morning walks, I would walk by a kid squatting by the roadside wearing just underwear selling mangoes when other kids were in school. I just wondered why? On the day before our departure from Kumasi, on my usual routine walk in the morning, I decided to find out more about this kid. I asked him about why he was selling mangoes when most kids of his age were in school? I asked him where he lived with his parents? He said nothing to me so I gave him money to bring to his parents to buy him a pair of sandals and tell them that this stranger says they should take him to school. He took the money, grabbed his tray of mangoes and just took off.
Later, I came to understand his reaction. I learned that kids had been warned not to talk to strangers given stories of child kidnappings which occurred several years ago in the country. I came back to my hotel room shared the story with my wife and we prayed about it.
We left Ghana two days after the encounter with Samuel and came to the comfort of our home in the US, thinking that his story ended with us in Ghana. The next couple of days, we fell into our normal routine of walking our dog at a public park in the city we live in. Interestingly, ten or more years of dog walking at the park have resulted in friendships and meaningful relationships with lots of dog-lovers. Not surprisingly, our friends were elated to see us back and were curious to know how our trip went after being away for practically three weeks. We shared our trip experience with them including the story of Samuel Azumah. My wife and I were certainly excited when a couple asked if they could sponsor the kid.
The next thing was locating this kid and his parents. Fortunately, our helper at the hotel who drove us around knew exactly where to find this kid. He reported back that the kid lived in the neighborhood with his parents, both practically illiterate with the mother working as a petty trader and the father as a Watchman (Security Guard) for a Medical Doctor who lives in the neighborhood.
The net result was that with the help of the sponsors we were able to arrange with the consent and approval of the parents to register Samuel Azumah in a decent International Private School. Sadly, after the first Semester of support, our sponsors had a change of heart. My wife and I then decided to carry on with the sponsorship of Samuel Azumah. We have been amazed and blessed with his steady progress in school from 2017 to date. Going back to school has shaped his personality with an” insatiable” desire to excel at his school. The teachers tell us that he is too “serious” in class and listens intently which to us is a good thing! And in case you are wondering what he did with the money I gave him? The parents assured me that he brought the money to them and he got his sandals the next day. Good kid, uh?
Now, Samuel has more with the support of FEF, the bus picks him up every morning and brings him back home after school, school supplies, sneakers, school outfits and you cannot ignore a big smile in his face which, perhaps, cuts through all human boundaries.
Why are we sharing this story? Simply because my encounter with Samuel has culminated in the establishment of a public charity/ non-profit organization called Freedom Educational Foundation, Inc.
My wife and I are motivated by the fact that if we can make such a difference in one kid’s life then we can extend it to many kids like him in Ghana and West Africa who hail from underprivileged backgrounds. It is an act of love rooted in our Christian values that it is the right thing to do.
However, we realize that we cannot do it alone and we are asking for the support of all freedom-loving people like you to join us in this cause. Your donation whether is even $1 would help educate a young mind. Education is Freedom and more!
Thank you for taking a moment of your time to read this story.
Good heart is always eager to help the vulnerable in the society. This is a clarions call to impart positively and immensely in the life of the poor through education. The only way to develop the potentials of an individual, to fit well in the society and contribute positively to the society, is through education. #I STAND FOR FEF! I STAND FOR EDUCATION.
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Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and the world better than you found it. An investment in ensuring that an underprivileged person gets a good education pays the best interest. Education is the tool that an African child needs to propel him/her to success, free from the harsh conditions of the African society. Nelson Mandela said, “EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD”. Let’s give this weapon to the less privileged and by doing so, we’re ensuring a better future for all
This piece is very encouraging! Thank you.
George Washington Carver once said, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom”. Educating these unfortunate young brilliant brains will one day liberate them and their society from poverty. Education replaces an empty mind with an open one and I believe this intervention will improve the lives of many children immensely. While there are many obstacles that deter students from going to school, finances by no means should be the deciding factor.
Thanks to FEF.
Wow! This is definitely the doing of the Lords work , I prayer God enlarges your territories to enable to bless his people and may you never lack in life. From a very proud niece.Xxx
What an amazing story of someone just doing what they could right where God placed them with an opportunity to bless someone with the blessings He’s given them. In a world where drama and division gets the headlines reading this story of a life changed forever warms your heart. Thank you for starting this and an opportunity to get involved. I am so proud and very honored to know you both Kyei and Koko. God’ s blessing and favor all over you.
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Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.