George's father was never at home and never provided for their large family. One day George's mother was preparing food in the courtyard of her home in rural Central Ghana when a taxi lost control and slammed into the house. The accident left her with significant brain damage and she was unable to function as the head of the household. The family was not originally from the area and as a result there was no extended family available to step in and help raise the children. The kids were all begged off to charitable people in the surrounding area. George went to stay with the older couple who owned the hotel where we stayed in 2004. While we initially thought well of them for taking George in, it soon became apparent that the couple was abusive and didn't provide anything but the most basic necessities. He was required to work extremely hard for them and he was not encouraged to go to school. In fact, his chores took precedent over going to school. The school he attended was in a different village, miles away on a borrowed bike. At school the children were hardly taught; they spent most of their time doing farm labor. Why was he only able to go to this far away, low-quality school? It was the cheapest in the area and the only one the hotel owners would pay for. It cost less than $10 a year for him to attend there, even though the hotel owners were making loads of money.
Together, a group of BYU students decided to try to make a difference in George's life. By gathering a small amount money and asking favors of friends in the community, they were able to find George a wonderful family to live with, and, more importantly, get him enrolled in the best school in the area. At the time of his enrollment, George was sixteen and tested at the 5th grade level. Although initially embarrassed, he committed to take advantage of the new opportunity.
We returned to Ghana the following summer, and one of the greatest blessings of returning was seeing how George's life has changed in the past year. At the beginning of the term, George ranked 43rd in his class of 50. By the end of the school year in July he took the qualifying test for the 6th grade and scored 8th in the class. To try to catch up for the years that were lost at the previous school George attended private after-school tutoring sessions on a daily basis and since then George has excelled in his studies and recently graduated from junior secondary school (junior high). This past year he transitioned to a senior secondary school in Agnoa. One of the great benefits of this particular school is that it is a technical school focusing on construction management which will teach George practical skills that will allow him to eventually provide for himself. Aside from that, attending this school is a great opportunity for George because it is a boarding school. Over the years, although George's living situation has improved, it has still remained unpredictable, and attending this boarding school will provide the security of stable room and board.
While we were last in Ghana in 2005 we talked with George about what he wanted to do for a job in his future. Instead of relegating himself to a life performing backbreaking manual labor until his body gives out, he now dreams of a profession and a family. He said he wants to be a great man "like Nelson Mandela." Such a remarkable change in perspective for the small boy who lived in the entryway of the hotel where we stayed just one year before. Since that time we have had frequent conversations with George; his determination continues to be unwavering, and his gratitude remains overwhelming.
Many former students and families and friends have contributed to George's education over the years. Please consider joining us in helping George secure a brighter future for his life.