It’s an exciting time at Forward Edge as we announce the launch of our brand new program, Create Hope Ghana, alongside our 40th anniversary celebration. We’re thrilled to witness the positive impact this program has already made on the lives of 75 children and their families residing in 10 different communities, thanks to the leadership of our dedicated Program Directors, Jonathan and Rhoda. Their commitment to providing food, education, spiritual guidance, and other essential support is a shining example of the compassionate and driven spirit that defines Forward Edge.
The impact of Create Hope Ghana is best demonstrated through the stories of the children and families who have benefited from it. We’d love to share with you just a few of these stories, and we hope they’ll provide a glimpse into the ways God is working through this program to create hope and change lives.
At just 14 years old, Mohammed was struggling with epilepsy and was being cared for solely by his unemployed mother because his father is elderly and unwell. This left Mohammed without access to critical medical treatment or education.
However, with the unwavering support of Create Hope Ghana, Mohammed’s life has been transformed for the better. The program was able to get him to the hospital and provide him with a treatment plan, which has given him the opportunity to manage his epilepsy and live a fuller life. Moreover, Jonathan and Rhoda went above and beyond to find a special needs teacher who could provide Mohammed with an education, which he had previously been denied. As a result, he now has access to essential educational resources, such as books, a backpack, and school uniforms, that he previously lacked.
Mohammad now has both the necessary medical care and educational opportunities to lead a better future than his family had previously thought possible.
Despite facing poverty and uncertainty from a young age, Stephen’s struggles intensified when his father passed away and his grandfather kicked him and his mother out of their home. They became homeless with a newborn sister, and Christiana, Stephen’s mother, struggled to make ends meet by selling soft drinks and water. The family was barely able to afford rent, food, and school fees, a common reality for widows in Tamale who often lose their homes after their husbands pass away, and in many cases they lose their rights to their children too.
The family recently faced a perfect storm of financial challenges. With both their annual rent and school fees for Stephen and his sister due at the same time, they were at risk of eviction and the children dropping out of school. Create Hope Ghana came to their aid and provided the family with two years of rent and school fees, offering a glimmer of hope in a time of crisis. Thanks to the program’s unwavering support, Stephen and his sister were able to continue their education and build a brighter future. Create Hope Ghana’s compassion and dedication made all the difference in this family’s journey towards stability and success.
According to Jonathan, Director of Create Hope Ghana, “Water is life. It is essential but is in short supply in many communities around Tamale. Some of these communities have no access to potable drinking water and only rely on local dam water for survival, which is not safe for drinking. ” Unfortunately, during the current drought, three communities in particular have been hit hard, causing a lack of water that is affecting daily life, including work and school attendance.
Thankfully, Create Hope Ghana has taken action to provide safe drinking water for these communities. Each week, the program delivers 16,640 liters of water to each community, making a huge difference for children and families struggling with the water shortage.
These stories are only a fraction of the positive influence of Create Hope Ghana. Their impact is truly remarkable, and it’s no wonder that their name has become synonymous with hope and transformation. By enriching the lives of countless individuals and families, Create Hope Ghana is an outstanding example of how a dedicated program can make a world of difference.
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Nancy, our Director of Development and long-time short-term missionary, shares her experience with the “Women of the Word” program in Kampala, Uganda. These resilient women, who migrated to a new area after facing unimaginable hardships, have come together to build a supportive community and empower one another. Discover how their journey of faith and perseverance is creating lasting change in their lives and in their community.
14 yrs. old
Entered the program: September 2023
Leona lives with her mother and brother in a one-bedroom apartment that they own. The family lived for many years in a rented apartment but the owner was always threatening to evict them as they couldn’t pay the rent regularly. Leona’s uncles and some cousins gathered enough money together to buy them the apartment they’re in now. Leona’s mom sleeps in the kitchen and she and her brother share the bedroom.
Leona's parents are divorced. Her dad visits sometimes and tries to bring food to help out. Leona’s mom tries to make some money sewing traditional clothing in the summer when there are tourists. She receives government assistance but it doesn’t even cover the utilities; her siblings try to help with money for food and firewood, and hand-me-down clothes for Leona and her brother.
Leona's brother, Theo, is also in the Corner Stone program.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
