As a natural sciences student and a long-time volunteer with AIESEC , a youth-led organization aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, I’ve become increasingly aware of my role as an environmental advocate. That’s what brought me to Fafali. I discovered that the organization was engaging local children in environmental education, and I immediately knew this was where I wanted to contribute. But what I received in return went far beyond what I expected.

Joining the Fafali Organization’s environmental education project was more than just volunteering; it was an opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, contribute to meaningful work, and grow both personally and professionally.

Welcomed by Ghana

Those first days in Ghana were filled with excitement, but also the natural apprehension of navigating a new culture alone. Coming from Brazil, I had to adjust to different customs, rhythms, and ways of life. Yet Ghana welcomed me with open arms. The kindness of the people, the vibrant markets, and the rhythmic beats of its music soon made me feel at home. Oh and the food, jollof rice and banku with okro soup have all my heart now.

Finding Purpose Amidst Challenges

When I arrived, I learned that the environmental club was struggling with engagement. That was my first real challenge, and my first valuable lesson. Engaging young people on environmental topics isn’t easy, especially when they are dealing with so many other pressing issues in their daily lives. It made me reflect deeply on how to make environmental education not just informative, but truly meaningful.

During my first week, I joined several of Fafali’s other programs which includes Fit 4 Fun, Table Tennis, Happy Arts Club, Dzidéfo, and the Drum, Dance and Dream project. These experiences allowed me to connect with different children, gain a broader understanding of the community, and witness the organization’s powerful mission in action. 

Walking Toward Conservation

In my second week, I had a turning point. Raymond Amezado, Fafali’s President, took me on a long walk through the Odaw River and the Achimota Forest, one of the last forest reserves in Accra. As we walked, he shared stories of his childhood memories in the forest, of exploring, playing, and feeling connected to nature. He spoke of his concerns about how deforestation, farming, camping, and even religious gatherings were threatening the forest’s future. It struck me deeply: how can we expect children to protect something they may never get to know?

From that moment on, I started working closely with both the Environmental and Arts Clubs to give the children not only information, but experiences. We talked about conservation and pollution, yes, but we also created moments they could feel, enjoy, and remember.

From Clean-Ups to Creativity

Over the following weeks, we held several impactful activities. We partnered with Mayekoo for a clean-up at Labadi Beach, and we took the kids on a trip to the Accra Zoo, where we discussed wildlife conservation and later created awareness signs that the Arts Club donated to the zoo.

Our activities blended education with creativity and critical thinking. We emphasized not just the community’s responsibility to nature, but its right to a healthy environment. We wanted the kids to see nature not as an abstract concept, but as something they belonged to and that belonged to them.

A Lasting Impact

This experience has changed me. I’ve learned about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of patience and adaptability. But more than anything, I’ve learned the power of presence, listening, observing, and sharing. I leave Ghana with deep gratitude and a heart full of unforgettable memories.

Thank you for reading. To anyone considering volunteering with Fafali: take the leap. You won’t just give, you’ll grow. And you might just find a new version of yourself along the way.

Thank you for reading!

The post Global Impact: A Brazilian Volunteer’s Journey with Fafali in Ghana first appeared on Fafali.

I joined as a volunteer, and one would think I sacrificed my time and resource but it is I who has been gifted a perfect gift that would stay with me forever. Among Fafali’s many transformative programs, I was particularly drawn to the STEM project, which empowers young girls to break barriers in academics, conquer self-doubt, and defy gender stereotypes in science and mathematics. Weekend after weekend, we tackled both abstract and real-world problems, and with each class, I saw dreams blossom in the light of knowledge and simplicity.

But Fafali’s impact goes beyond STEM, dreams are valid and no aspect is left out. Other programs that excited me areHappy Art Club, the Ball and Brain Program, and Women Empowerment Programs broadened my perspective on creativity, inclusion, and the boundless potential within every individual. These programs are not just activities; they are vehicles for transformation.

Being part of Fafali has made me more than a volunteer—it has made me a light bearer. And for that, I look forward to yet another Fafali experience

Thank you for reading!

The post Volunteerism: The Perfect Gift first appeared on Fafali.

The experience I gained during my time as a volunteer was incredibly rewarding. Working with these bright, resilient children allowed me to form deep and lasting bonds. I quickly realized that this was more than just volunteering, it was about being a part of their lives, understanding their challenges, and offering a helping hand where I could. The welcoming, supportive environment at Fafali made it easy to grow both personally and professionally, and I was fortunate to have experienced such guidance from the organization’s amazing project and volunteer coordinators.

As I became more involved, my passion for the work continued to deepen, and I was honored to transition into the role of Volunteer and Membership Coordinator. In this capacity, I have the privilege of leading and guiding others, just as I was supported when I first started. I am committed to fostering a sense of community, ensuring that each volunteer feels valued, and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the lives of the children we serve.

Fafali has shaped me into a leader who believes in the power of connection and empathy, and I’m excited to continue making a difference.

Thank you for reading!

The post My Journey As A Volunteer With Fafali: My Path To Purpose first appeared on Fafali.

More Than Just Soccer

At its core, our Boys Soccer Program has one ultimate mission: using football to promote education by reducing school dropouts and absenteeism. While it may seem like just a game, our approach ensures that our boys have strong mentors, dedicated coaches, and the right leadership to keep them engaged in both sports and academics.

In a community where education is often overlooked, and 4 out of 5 children either cannot read or are below grade level, school absenteeism and dropout rates remain alarmingly high. Can we truly blame a child for avoiding school when reading is a constant struggle? As Luke Parker wisely said, “If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll never be good at it.” Many of these kids have struggled to enjoy the classroom because learning to read felt like an uphill battle.

A Game-Changing Approach to Education

Fafali took bold steps to bring education to life for these children. The result? A brand-new, two-unit STEM and literacy classroom block, fully equipped with:
✅ Air conditioning for comfort
✅ Whiteboard and projector for interactive learning
✅ Laptops for digital literacy
✅ A mini-library stocked with storybooks

Yes, you read that right—a beautiful learning space where both the environment and education inspire action. As the saying goes, “Beauty awakens the soul to act.” And it worked! The inviting classrooms drew children in, igniting a newfound enthusiasm for learning. From mastering the alphabet and phonetics to forming words and sentences, our boys embraced literacy with renewed confidence.

Celebrating Leadership Beyond the Classroom

The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of transformational. In 2023, Fafali took things even further, gifting thousands of books to children as Christmas presents through the Dreams and Themes Christmas Party, reinforcing our Need to Read literacy campaign.

Now, the celebration isn’t just about football victories—it’s about academic achievements that change lives.

For the new school year, four boys from the Fafali Boys Soccer Program have been elected as school prefects:
🏆 Two Senior Prefects
🏆 Two Assistant Prefects
🏆 Two Sports Prefects

These boys follow in the footsteps of Sena Amezado and Morris Dogbey, who also held leadership positions while in junior high school. Since the project’s inception, Fafali has proudly seen five school prefects and three sports prefects emerge from our partner schools.

A Future Rewritten

Taking a child who once struggled to read and transforming them into a vocal, informed school leader—responsible for representing their peers—is nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a success story. It’s a movement. It’s proof that with the right support, every child can rise above their challenges.

Much like Obama’s iconic words, “Yes, we can.”

Children who were once on the verge of dropping out are now leading their schools, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Together, we are transforming lives.

This is what it means to win beyond the pitch.

Thank you for reading!

The post Winning Beyond the Pitch: From Dropout Risks to School Leaders first appeared on Fafali.

These children are often dedicated to spiritual altars, where their fates are determined by priests. Many are destined to serve as spiritual healers at local shrines for life. If their hair must be cut, it involves a ritual where the locks are placed in a mixture of herbs and water for healing purposes. In some cultures, such as the Igbo, children like Ahulu are considered reincarnated juju practitioners, revered for their spiritual power.

Despite these beliefs, Ahulu was still just a child—one who desperately wanted to attend school. However, the strict rules in Ghanaian public schools, which required all students to have short, clean-cut hair, prevented him from enrolling. His family, too poor to afford private school, left Ahulu at home while his siblings and friends went to school.

One day, a volunteer from the Fafali Organization noticed Ahulu wandering around aimlessly and inquired why he wasn’t attending school. Ahulu expressed his desire to learn, sparking a movement within Fafali. “Who are we to deny a Voodoo Child the opportunity to go to school?” the team asked.

However, convincing his parents was no small task. Deeply rooted in tradition, they were hesitant about sending their son to school, fearing the potential curses that might follow. After six months of discussion, the family gave Fafali more time to think about it, but that turned into a year of persistent negotiations. Finally, Fafali’s president volunteered to take on any curses that might arise from Ahulu attending school. Even then, it wasn’t enough. They had to hold conversations with voodoo priests and community members, convincing them that allowing Ahulu to go to school would not bring harm.

Once the community was on board, the next hurdle was finding a school willing to admit Ahulu. The owner of Jerremite International School was hesitant, fearing that other students might leave if their parents found out a “Voodoo Child” had enrolled. Fafali assured him they would offer financial support if his fears came true. Reluctantly, he agreed, and Ahulu was finally able to start school in a small ceremony commemorating the day the Voodoo Child began his educational journey.

After several years, Ahulu’s hair was ceremonially cut in his father’s hometown in Togo. While Fafali wasn’t involved in the process, they celebrated the development. However, there were still lingering concerns and conspiracy theories in the community about what the hair-cutting meant. Now attending a public school, Ahulu recently expressed to Fafali’s president his struggles with reading due to his late start in school. He requested one-on-one tutoring, highlighting the challenges that come with breaking tradition and starting an education late.

The story of Ahulu speaks to a larger truth: religion and deeply held cultural beliefs can sometimes hold back progress in many African communities. Yet, discussing these issues is often seen as taboo. In the communities Fafali serves, religion is the cornerstone of daily life, and questioning these beliefs can make one a social outcast.

To change this narrative, Fafali focuses on exposing the younger generation to the world through reading, travel, and interaction with international volunteers who bring diverse perspectives and knowledge. The organization’s president, who has traveled to the USA, has worked tirelessly to challenge the social norms and stereotypes that hinder progress.

Without the efforts of Fafali and its president, Ahulu would likely be serving at a shrine in his hometown. Instead, he’s attending school, pursuing an education, and striving to overcome the barriers of tradition. Ahulu’s story is one of sacrifice, persistence, and the power of education to transform lives. The gods, it seems, must also be educated.

Thank you for reading!

The post The Gods Must Be Educated: The Story of Ahulu, the Voodoo Child Who Went to School first appeared on Fafali.