Ellen: I never expected to become a leader

3 minute read

I’d like the world to know that I’m unique. I’m special in my own way.

I have lived with my grandma in the Central Region of Ghana since my mother died, when I was just three years old. 

My grandma tried her best to take care of me and my three brothers, but she struggled to afford the things I needed for school such as books and stationary. It made me sad to see my friends with the things I didn’t have. I couldn’t focus on my studies and I didn’t have any confidence in myself. 

Finding my voice

When CAMFED came to my school and selected me for material and mentoring support, I began to feel confident and excited about my future.

Through CAMFED, I gained a Learner Guide (peer mentor) who helps us to navigate life through My Better World life-skills and wellbeing sessions. My favorite lesson is the “River of Life” – while life may always bring challenges, the river will keep moving and tough times will always come to an end. It makes me feel hopeful.

Having role models all around us in the CAMFED Association–the network of young women leaders supported by CAMFED in their education–helps us girls to discover our abilities. I have learnt that my strengths include curiosity and leadership.

Now, I know that I am unique and special in my own way. I enjoy reading and singing with my friends. I can stand in front of others and talk to people. I have started my leadership journey in school as the GHAMSU (Ghana Methodist Student Union) president.

Here I am reading my textbook at home. With CAMFED’s support, I now have everything I need to do well in school and fulfill my potential. (Photo credit: Abby Brooks/CAMFED)

My fellow students come to me for advice, and I encourage them to keep working hard as everything is possible. In our study groups led by the Learner Guides, me and my friends help each other with our work. If one of my classmates doesn’t understand something, they come to me and I explain it so they can understand it better.

My purpose of giving back

My dream for the future? I would like to become a military nurse. I’ve never seen anyone in my community do that before. 

To me, being a nurse means to care for those who are sick and vulnerable in my community. It’s important for me to give back because I personally know how it feels to go without. 

After completing school, I plan to join the CAMFED Association so I can keep giving back to my community and become a role model for others, especially vulnerable girls. I want everyone to feel the way I do now!