Abena is a 12-year old girl from Akwatia, Ghana. She is an orphan and works part time in this shop, where she receives food and shelter in return. Her father, a member of the British Army, passed away in war. Her mother passed away from disease (likely malaria). Abena was their only child.
Abena attends the local public school, where instruction is in English. She takes classes in language, math, social studies, religion and other general education courses.
Without parents guiding and encouraging her, it is difficult for Abena to excel in school. Her environment imposes an additional hardship; Akwatia's main source of employment was mining. Recently the mining production has been haulted, leaving much of the community out of work. Most members of the community have never had the opportunity to use their education more than hard, physical labor of the mines or farming for their own source of food to eat and sell at the market.
We hope to give Abena the opportunity to lead a better life the town can currently offer her. The new library and cultural center currently being built in Akwatia will offer her classes and programs to excel with her studies and arts. We also are going to provide computer training at this facility, so Abena and children like her can connect with the world. She will also have the opportunity to join a structured dance group. This library is a chance of hope for Abena and other children just like her to step out of the fate life has predetermined for them.
GAIO's goal is to raise funds by March 27, 2011 to pay for the roof as the walls are already completed. Please Click here to Donate and Help Educate Children!
