Orphaned Sisters Return to School
Akosua, Afia and Jemima look forward to going to school each morning. It is a luxury
the sisters know they wouldn’t be able to afford without Operation Blessing’s
Back-to-School program in Ghana. Even though they’re smiling now, last year the
shadows of past sorrows threatened to take their futures away.
Every 24 hours in sub-Saharan Africa HIV/AIDS kills almost 5,000 men and women between
the ages of 15-59. In 1999, it killed both of Akosua, Afia and Jemima’s parents.
The girls’ Auntie Grace took them in even though she was a poor petty trader and
a single mother of two. The newly formed family seemed to be fine until two of the five
children began high school. The cost of tuition, uniforms and school supplies became
unbearable for Grace to manage alone. In many countries like Ghana, every family pays
tuition regardless of their financial situation.
Grace eventually overworked herself physically and became seriously ill. Their family
income was lost due to her condition, and Grace barely had money to feed the children.
The girls were soon kicked out of school because they couldn’t afford tuition
either.
Operation Blessing staff found the family almost a year ago and awarded the orphans
scholarships for school. When an Operation Blessing representative visited in March
2005, the girls shared how their lives had been impacted over the last year:
“Even the times I attended school [before OBI’s help], I grieved in seeing
my friends eat snacks and good meals while I walked around with an empty stomach,”
said Akosua. “Now I go to school regularly and with joy. I can concentrate on
my studies and I am currently the fourth best student in my class of 75. I run the 400
meter in track for my school and play football [soccer]. OBI has helped to change my
life for the better.”
Her 12-year-old sister Afia chimed in, “I would like to thank OBI for what they
have done and continue to do for me. Do you know that I am now the 8th in my class of
52 pupils? I am doing well in basketball and hope to join the school team soon.”
Jemima wasn’t about to be left out and said, “As a result of the help from
OBI, I can now study well in school and I hope to do better in the future. Currently,
I am the third best student in my class of 70. Like Afia, I have also started playing
basketball.”
Send a Child Back to School
Around the world, the new school year begins at different times throughout the year.
With your generous support, children like these orphaned sisters will be able to afford
to go to school.
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