Sarah Bediako, a resident of Ningo, has faced numerous challenges in her young life, but through the support of the Young Leaders Girls Speak club under the Adolescent Girls programme funded by UNFPA and Canada, she has found empowerment and hope for the future.
Sarah’s journey with the Girls Speak club began in 2019 when she was a teenage mother. Struggling with the stigma associated with her albinism, she found it difficult to socialize and was often ostracized by her community. This isolation was caused by her pregnancy, leading to mistreatment even within her own family.
However, joining the Girls Speak club provided Sarah with a supportive community where she could build confidence and develop her leadership skills. Despite the challenges she faced, she emerged as a facilitator for the club in Ningo, empowering other young women in her community.
Through club activities and mentorship programs like “Beyond Inspiration,” Sarah not only gained confidence but also had the opportunity to connect with girls from across the country, learning from their experiences and sharing her own.
Despite facing continued stigma, particularly from her peers at school, Sarah remained determined to pursue her education. Recognizing the importance of completing her junior high school education to gain access to senior high school and benefit from the Free SHS program, she enrolled in JHS 3 to write the BECE.
The financial burden of her education was a concern for Sarah, but thanks to the support of PAYDP, she received assistance with her hostel fees, alleviating some of the financial strain.
Sarah’s story shows how programs like UNFPA/PAYDP empower people. She got education, mentorship, and support from her community. Despite challenges, she became a strong leader and advocate for herself and others. Her journey stresses the need to help marginalized individuals succeed.