'One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen...'

“Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution.” – Malala Yousafzai.

At Solutions for Life Initiative – Ghana we are passionate about enforcing these powerful words spoken by 16 year old Malala Yousafzai in her address to the United Nations earlier this year. Education IS the only solution. That is why when asked by the Afia Kobi Ampeme Girls Senior High School (AKAGSHS) to talk to their students about the opportunities that education can give them, SFLIG jumped at the chance.

Set amongst luscious grounds, AKAGSHS is an all-girls school with over 2000 pupils. On Tuesday, SFLIG was lucky enough to speak to over 700 of their Form One students in their week long orientation program. The theme of the day was education – particularly the importance of it; the ways in which it can transform their lives and the barriers that can prevent them from achieving their educational goals.

SFLIG used stories of inspirational women such as Ghanaian politician - Betty Mould-Iddrisu, 16 year old Pakistani student -Malala Yousafzai and the 24^th President of Liberia - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to highlight how education has changed the lives of these role models. These stories also taught the students about dedication and commitment – qualities that are particularly evident in President Ellen Sirleaf’s story. At the age of 17 Sirleaf was married with four young boys. Whilst the rest of her classmates were moving on to higher education in Liberia and the United States, she was left caring for her family. It was at this moment that Sirleaf developed her goal to become educated – an educated she became. With a degree in accounting and a master’s in public administration, Sirleaf demonstrates that whilst you may meet obstacles on your road to realizing your educational goal, you should never give up on them.

SFLIG also used questions to interact with and engage the girls. These interactions showed young women who are articulate, intelligent and ready to take on the world!  An activity where SFLIG asked selected students to provide advice to their fellow classmates highlighted these qualities even further and reinforced the idea that in order to achieve your goals you must remain focussed, be critical in the choices you make concerning friends and boys and keep your faith in God.

It was a privilege for SFLIG to facilitate this workshop! If these girls are to be our future leaders than we have no doubt that the world will be a better place.