| Put Your Trust in Women - Women's Trust By: Kimberly Elliott A nonprofit organization in New Hampshire and a non-government organization registered in Ghana, Women's Trust (WT) has established its name with honor and hard work. WT sponsors programs to encourage girls to stay in school, as well as provides women with a chance to begin their own businesses in hopes of lifting the community out of poverty. WT adopted the city of Pokuase, located in Ghana, in order to focus their attention on these needs. By doing this, they are able to get more accomplished in this city. The Entrepreneur’s Club was launched to allow women to drive their entrepreneurial hopes to maximize economy of scale and employ jobless women. WT also sponsors two programs for young girls to stay in school. Education for young girls is not as emphasized as it is for young boys, and only one in five girls who start school make it to the 6th grade. WT hopes to change that through “Keep-Girl-In-School,” “Ghana Literacy Program” and “Girls Exploration and Empowerment Club (GEEC).” Senior Staff Assistant Kristen Ash comments that in the “Keep-Girls- In-School” programs “anyone in school can apply for the scholarship” (the girls must maintain a 2.5 grade point average while in the program). Kristen helps the senior staff and communicates with the volunteers who are actually in Ghana. “Currently our program is available for students up until the end of high school. This past year however, we had the opportunity to help two students continue on to college.” This is a huge accomplishment for WT. Kristen asserts that many families can’t afford to send their children to school or not have help at home. This opportunity for a college education can help lift these young girls out of poverty and possibly change their community. GEEC is for teen girls in Pokuase to support them as they transition from Junior Secondary School (JSS) to Senior Secondary School (SSS). This transition is vital to these teen girls in Pokuase because in SSS, they gain hope of breaking out of poverty and making choices for their future Help is much needed at home when the family has to care for their elderly. There are few Ghanians who live past 58, the country’s life expectancy; however, those who live in their 80s and 90s rely on their immediate family to care for them. This hampers many young girls from staying in school because their help is needed at home. WT has tried to alleviate the help by monthly stipends for the elderly. By offering $150 a month to 35 men and women ages 85-115, elderly are able to help pay for medicines and food. This also allows some girls to attend these programs and stay in school and get their education. Kristen expressed with much gratitude that her most memorable event with WT is meeting the volunteers who worked in Ghana and listening to their stories. Kristen also said that WT is always looking for help with funds. Ladies, this is your chance! Stand up and make a difference in a young girl’s life by donating money. You can even invite your friends to start a fundraiser. A young woman from England did and raised enough money to send a girl to college. When your mom is yelling at you to do your homework, be happy to have homework to do. These girls in Pokuase, Ghana would love to have the education that is often take for granted in the US. By raising enough money you could give these girls the education they are anxious for. Check ‘em out! www.womentrust.org “The power of people in motion can be an awesome thing!” “It isn’t a handout, it’s a hand-up.” ~ Kristen |
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