I recently visited a remote community in the Ashanti Region in Ghana and was left wondering whether society had a plan for women and children living in these rural communities. The level of sensitization to child mortality, reproduction and birth only increased the possible loss of talent or potential as a result of unexploited capabilities.
An interaction with Madam Adwoa, mother of eight living in a shared housing compound, illuminated the fact that producing many children created a sense of pride in these women. As I interacted with her children, I also realized that the highest level of education held by any of them was at the Junior High School (JHS) level. Madam Adwoa complained about her challenges and attributed them to the reason why her children could not attain higher education. Although tuition was insubstantial at the JHS level, basic supplies such as pens, pencils and notebooks to take them through a term were an issue.
As we conversed, I couldn’t help but notice a flash of joy suddenly appear on Madam Adwoa’s face. I imagined that it would be some solution to her problems; however, I was unprepared for what it would be: She was elated because two of her daughters would be getting married soon. This amazed me because here I was witnessing the dawning of another cycle of a woman who only thought of ‘now’, gave birth to multiple children without proper orientation to modern day living and worst of all, forgot about how to move on in life and fight for a successful living.
To avoid leaving with a single observation, I decided to walk through the town to talk to more women and interestingly noticed a recurrence of the former experience; most of the parents complained about the unavailability of resources. From speaking to the children, it was apparent that they were no different from those found in the city, except that they were not connected to opportunities in the city.
My experience in this community left me with the question: What can we do to better the lives of children like these? Amongst them could be the next big tech developer or problem solver to our nation.
Have you had a similar experience anywhere in Africa? Share it with us.