Stop 368 Teen Girls in Ghana from Missing School

“I am thankful to SHI for the gift of national health insurance. With this I can visit the clinic and have my body examined,”  said Gifty with a smile.

Gifty is twelve years old and in fifth grade at Timeabu Municipal Area Basic School. She is an excellent student and at the top of class. Like many families in Timeabu, Gifty lives in a one room home, which she shares with both of her parents and all five of her siblings. Outside of school, Gifty spends her time helping out on the family farm and helping her mother’s business, which involves producing and selling brooms.

Gifty is one of the pioneers of Teen Girls Club in Timeabu. Mabel, the Coordinator of the Timeabu Teens Girls Club, tells SHI, “Gifty is hardworking and respectful anywhere she finds herself.” The girls have confidence in Mabel, a well-respected mother in the community who provides them guidance and counselling.

During one of the Teens Club meetings, Gifty confided in Mabel, “I wake up every morning feeling tired and weak. Sometimes, I feel pains in my entire body.”  Mabel kept a close eye on Gifty after that conversation, and upon seeing that Gifty’s health was deteriorating, she had a discussion with Gifty’s parents. The parents admitted they were aware of Gifty’s deteriorating health but were unable to help due to financial difficulties.  

Touched by the plight of the girl, Mabel took up her cause and appealed to friends and family members and Self-Help and was able to mobilize GHC 30.00 (US $7) which was used get Gifty national health insurance coverage for twelve months. Gifty has since visited the hospital, where she was able to get the needed treatment and is now recovering.

Gifty is happy not only because she is receiving medical treatment, but also because it means she can stay in school and her dream to become a nurse is still alive. She wonders, “What would have happened to me without the health insurance?” and gives thanks that the Teens Club has come to her village and offered her support. 

The Teen Girls Club not only guides and counsels girls to concentrate on their schooling but also provides protection and voice for teen girls in rural Ghana. Thanks to your support of the Teens Club regular activities - and extra support like in Gifty’s case - many teen girls will not only survive, but thrive, complete their education and become tomorrow’s world leaders.

Mark your calendar: Three weeks from today, on Thursday, October 5, all donations to this project will be matched all day long! The match runs from 8am - 11pm Central and will apply to gifts of up to $1,000 per person! See complete terms & conditions here.