BE THE ONE!

Have you ever watch the beacon of a lighthouse shine into the darkness? As it guides ships to safety offering hope to anyone in its path. I feel our donors are like those lighthouses, offering beacons of hope to the children of Ghana.

We received very good news this summer. The District Assembly in Amasaman, the regional  government, is building this high school only a quarter of a mile from St. Paul’s Primary and Junior Secondary schools. I was shocked and delighted at the same time. When we opened the preschool in 2007, I never imagined that 9 years later this village would have a Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary and now High School! It is truly a miracle.

The new computer lab at the Primary and Middle School (Junior Secondary School) is the other miracle. Thanks to Redeemer Episcopal Church in Sarasota and Every Village Computer Organization, St. Paul’s received 15 computers and a laptop all equipped with educational software suitable for grades K1 to 12. With this addition to the curriculum, St. Paul’s will finally have the tools they need to prepare junior secondary students to pass the high school entrance exam.

Mabel was one of the first three-year olds to attend St. Paul’s Preschool, our first building project. Every time I met her she had a huge smile. Several summers as I would say my last good-bye, she would turn her head to hide the tears rolling down her sweet little face. I would end up running over to give her another big hug and tell her I would see her again soon.

Mabel is now 12 going into the seventh grade. In 2018 she will finish middle school just as the new high school is ready to open but Mabel’s parents cannot afford the $250 – $400 associated fees for school. This situation will be repeated over and over for girls in the village. Many girls will become carriers, carrying heavy loads on their heads at a market. Some will sell water or other goods hoping to earn money for school. Too often, these girls find themselves taken advantage of and pregnant.

The Beacon of Hope Scholarship is being created to give two to four girls the opportunity to attend high school each year. Our goal is $25,000. SAVE THE DATE.

Thanks to the Sarasota Community Foundation’s giving partners: The Patterson Foundation, The Knight Foundation, The Manatee Community Foundation, The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and The Herald Tribune, YOU CAN BE THE ONE TO OFFER HOPE IN THE DARKNESS.

Donate at www.givingpartnerchallenge.org/npo/ghanaian-mothers-hope-inc on Tuesday, September 20 noon to noon on Wednesday, Sept 21 and the Patterson Foundation will match all donations of $25-100. If you did not donate in this campaign in 2015, your donation will be tripled. Donors from 2015, you donation will be doubled.

Ghanaian Mothers’ Hope needs your help in spreading the word. Please tell your friends about this incredible opportunity to Be The One to change Mabel’s life from school dropout to school teacher! Click Here to see the Trailer.