The first time I met Blessing Gbah, she seemed a shy and
cautious little girl. We were in the schoolyard of her elementary school and
there were a lot of children running and playing and generally excited because
of the visitors at their school (the LOEP training team). Right away I noticed
the beautiful child with velvety skin and an intense gaze. I could tell this
little girl was curious, but not willing to approach me to find out what she
wanted to know. Her friends had no hesitation, however and they were having a
grand time daring each other to touch my clothes, my hands, and my hair,
giggling the whole time. After some time playing games of “Duck, Duck, Goose”
and “Hot Cassava” in the very hot
school yard, Blessing became convinced I was approachable and was just as eager
to play with my camera and laugh with me as were her friends.
Blessing and her friends the day that I met them
Blessing is now ten years old and in the fourth grade at
Maretha Preparatory International School in Paynesville. Her favorite subjects
are vocabulary and reading, and she has dreams of one day being a journalist
when she grows up. When she is not in school, she enjoys playing with her
friends and especially jumping rope.
Blessing (center) with some of her friends
Blessing lives in Paynesville with her mother, father,
younger sister, and baby brother.
Blessing’s father is a gifted teacher, one of LOEP’s Trainer of Teachers
(ToTs). Her mother is a market vendor. Both parents work extremely hard so that
both of their daughters can attend school (baby brother is too young for school
now). Their commitment to educating both
of their daughters (and son, when he is old enough) is exceptional and to be
commended. Blessing and her sister are keenly aware of the sacrifices their
family makes for their education and know it is a privilege to go to
school. They work hard to make the most
of their opportunity for education.
A recent picture of Blessing with her family
Whether she continues on the path to journalism or follows
her dreams elsewhere, I know that Blessing will be a great asset to her family,
her community, and her country. Keep up the good work Blessing! There are plenty of folks here in the U.S. who
are wishing you great success!
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