University…the big dream

In Ghana in 2007, I was introduced to Ablode Soehede by teachers of the school that several of my children were attending. Ablode had a very difficult start in life. The school asked me to help him go to senior school, and at first I said i couldn't stretch to any more, but then I decided I must help. It was the best decision because he is such a wonderful, caring, humble, gentle, selfless, friendly, kind and hardworking young man. He excelled in school and university.

Ablode is now working as a fulltime teacher and has himself been helping children to buy books, pens and other school items. Now he wants to do more, and I am so proud of him! He wants to help two teenagers, who have gained excellent grades at senior school, to go to university. He knows them well because he has also taught them in the past, so he knows they work hard and are dedicated. They are full of enthusiasm and can't wait to get there. Initially we had decided to delay until 2020, but they were very downcast because they have already waited a year. So we have been trying to gather the money together gradually and we're making progress. We have got about half the school fees together so far. At this stage, I also wondered if others might like to help my 'son' Ablode to give this wonderful gift to others. He wants to help them because he understands their hardships and their wish to make better lives for themselves.

We are unsure of the total fees (we expect them to be about £1,000 for the two of them, and we have half)., and there is also accommodation, and other costs like books. Every penny will go to the boys and go into an account for them, which has already been set up.

So there we are. Anyone who is able and willing to contrubute, we say a huge thank you.

The picture is of Ablode and me.