Then, her mother fell ill, and the family plunged into a deeper poverty—one that Abena wasn’t sure they would survive. 

“Life was hard before my mother fell sick, but it became unbearable after her illness,” Abena said. “There was no food and no money to buy anything. I knew leaving school would affect me for the rest of my life, but someone had to take care of my mother and younger siblings.”

She started selling roasted tiger nuts on the streets of Ejisu, a small town in south-central Ghana. Hawking food left her vulnerable to violence and exploitation, but the reality of hunger and illness at home cemented her resolve to return each day.

“I saw people mugged and beaten,” she remembers. “I was frustrated, dusty and exhausted. But seeing my little brother and sister eat a small meal at the end of the day made the risk worth it.” 

The family struggled to survive and Abena thought her dream becoming a nurse was lost forever. But, thanks to generous supporters like you, SOS Children’s Villages connected with Abena’s family—helping her mother heal and provide for her family so Abena can go back to school! 

Because of compassionate people like you, Abena’s mother is now healthy and raising pigs that provide reliable income for her family. Abena is enrolled in school and pursuing her education with the resources she needs to succeed, like a backpack, textbooks, school uniform and more.

“I am no longer tied down by worry and work,” Abena said. “My future is all I’m thinking about right now, and my heart sings with joy.”

Because of generous education gifts like yours, children like Abena can attend school, reach their full potential and achieve their dreams!