VANESSA'S STORY

My name is Vanessa Apaliya. I hail from Gognia in Navrongo. I am nineteen years old; the first child and only daughter of my parents with two younger brothers as my siblings. I am currently a first year Business Administration student of Ashesi University.

Reflecting on my path so far, I have realised that it is filled with gratitude and resilience.

At the tender age of eight (8), my journey took an unexpected turn when I was separated from my family who were enduring hard times and wished nothing but the best education for me in Navrongo. They entrusted me to a family friend who vowed to provide unparalleled educational opportunities for me in Accra.

Despite their good intentions, communication with my family was restricted. I was allowed to speak with them only rarely. Reminiscing now and looking at the brighter side of life, the restrictions enabled me to focus on my studies which enabled me to gain admission to St. Monica’s Senior High School, Asante-Mampong.

A glimmer of hope emerged in my Senior High School at St. Monica's. Smile for Child Ghana (SFCG), a non profit organization supporting underprivileged youth, announced a mentorship and a financial aid programme to underprivileged but brilliant and gifted students. After a meticulous selection process, I captured the attention of SFCG’s team with my story.

Moved by my circumstances, SFCG took a profound interest in my case and decided to investigate further. They eventually uncovered the reality of my estrangement from my family. Driven by empathy and resolve, SFCG arranged an emotional reunion with my parents and siblings, whom I had not seen in years – from class three at the basic school, to my first year at the senior high school – a total of seven(7) years. The moment was overwhelming; marked by tears and joyous embraces, reaffirming our connection despite the years of separation; reunited me with my family facilitating my journey towards a promising future.

I am indeed grateful to the couple who brought me to Accra. I attended the Accra Bishop’s

Girls’ School (BGS). This school happened to be the alma mater of the founder of SFCG. In my final year at the Bishop’s School, some old students of the school (including the founder) visitedus in school and encouraged us to choose St. Monica’s for our secondary education. Apparently in the 60’s. 70’s and 80’s most BGS students continued their education at St. Monica’s. BGS therefore linked me to St. Monica’s.

The NGO provided more than just guidance; they laid the cornerstone for my academic and

personal development. SFCG’s dedicated team instilled resilience, resourcefulness, responsibility, and refinement in me, with the fear of God serving as a cornerstone principle.

The support from Smile for Child Ghana did not just end there. Their continuous guidance

helped me secure a pride of place at Ashesi University, as a Mastercard scholar for the next four years, shining a beacon of hope on my path forward.

Stepping onto the campus, I was carrying my dreams and the values that Smile for Child Ghana had instilled in me. Looking back, the impact of Smile for Child Ghana on my life is profound. Their steadfast belief in my potential and dedication to uplifting underprivileged youth have molded me into the resilient and compassionate individual I am today. As I continue my studies at Ashesi University, I remain firmly rooted in the values instilled in me by Smile for Child Ghana. With each step forward, I am honoring their legacy of empowerment, dreaming for myself and my family, my community, and beyond. The journey was not easy, but with determination and support, I have turned obstacles into stepping stones, hoping to inspire others to be living testaments of resilience and hope, just like me.

Everyone out there can be a living testament like me.