Emmanuel Oteng is 19 years old and hails from Aburi-Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Emmanuel lost both parents at a very young age and was left in the care of his grandmother. With no pension and little to no social welfare coverage, Emmanuel’s grandmother struggles to provide all his needs especially his ongoing medical condition which requires daily medication. To support his grandmother, Emmanuel works as a cobbler, moving from house to house, repairing shoes and bags after school.

Emmanuel used income from this activity to see himself through school till he completed the Aburi Junior High School. For Emmanuel, this was to be the end of his education as he didn’t have the means to see himself through Senior High School.

Emamnuel is a very sociable and lively person. Despite his challenges he always seems in a good mood and is very active in the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Aburi where he worships. He is a member of the church choir and the Junior Youth Ministry.

When Goodness & Mercy International (G&MI) met Emmanuel, he had completed his Junior High School with good grades but was now a full time cobbler. Knowing that he had no financial resources to depend on through his secondary school years, Emmanuel gave up any tertiary education plans he had as a child. G&MI decided to support his Senior Secondary School education. To ensure that he does not drop out of Secondary School, G&MI pays for his tuition and board. We also ensure that his medical needs are well taken care off by paying for his hospital bills. Emmanuel now has the peace of mind to study and hopes to be a pastor some day and help other children like himself who have had to face similar challenges.