A Single Mother’s Refuge

By Jesse Jackson Sarkodie, Nutrition Program Officer

Janet (8) and her sister Abigail (6) live with their mom, Grace, in Beposo in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region. Though their mother never attended school herself, she vows to give them the best education possible. Each morning, she sends them off to school in Beposo where they start their day with a protein-rich breakfast porridge.

Grace is multi-skilled, diversifying her petty trading and ready to try new things. In order to provide for her children, she engages in many business ventures. On any given day she might be selling kenkey, doughnuts, or bananas, depending on when you catch her.

When asked why she works so hard, Grace’s reason is simple: “As a single mother with two children, I have a lot of load on my shoulders with no one to help, and if I don’t do it, no one will.”

The inability of many rural entrepreneurs to diversify their businesses has led to the premature collapse of businesses, which could have provided jobs to young people to support their education and reduce incidents of crime. Grace is determined to provide for her children, using whatever skills and resources are available to her. By diversifying her businesses, Grace is better able to capitalize on when different items are in ready supply, keeping her costs low and selling what is most in demand.

Though she is a hard worker and doing her best to educate her children, life for a single mother is not always easy. Knowing her children will get a healthy breakfast each morning helps lighten her load.

“The SHI QPM school feeding program has been of great benefit to my family. My mind is always at rest knowing that my little girls will be served breakfast at school. This program has really helped me a lot. It has made it easier for me to take care of my daughters.”

International Youth Week is August 6-12! During this time, Global Giving is generously matching new recurring gifts. Can we count on you to change lives of more children like Janet and Abigail? Start your monthly giving today! Give the gift of health and brighter futures!

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