Issah, 26, grew up in Savelugu in northern Ghana. The area has one of the country’s lowest female school completion rates. Her family could often barely afford food but her father was determined to send her to school. That changed when an accident left him unable to work. Issah took on two jobs while studying. A Camfed teacher mentor noticed her efforts and stepped in to cover fees, books, and clothing. She said it felt like a dream. She could finally stop working and dedicate her time to study. She is now the first person in her community to attend Cambridge.
Arhinful, 25, grew up in the Ajumako District in Ghana’s central region. When her family could not afford high school they arranged for her to be adopted by an aunt who could sponsor her education. Camfed offered her a scholarship instead and connected her to a network of young women from similar backgrounds called the Camfed Association. She said it improved her self esteem and encouraged her to keep going.
You May Like
Mensah, 29, dropped out of school at age 14 to help her mother run the family’s only source of income which was a catering business. She dreamed of returning to education but did not know when it would happen. She said for people like her that was normal. She resumed her studies when a free high school opened nearby.
All three women eventually secured funding for university in Ghana through the charity. Camfed later guided them to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program which covered the full costs of their Cambridge education. The trio have now trained as Camfed learner guides. These are peer mentors who deliver life skills and wellbeing curriculum to girls and boys with the aim of helping marginalised girls stay in school. Issah said she hopes to help girls in similar situations realise their dreams.
