HOW I WILL SPEND A MILLION DOLLARS
Growing up in a family of 18 children and four wives, life was always challenging. My father passed away when I was in primary school, leaving my older brother to drop out of school in JHS to support my mother and the rest of the family. My younger sister also dropped out of school in SHS, leaving me as the only one from my mother’s 5 children to continue my education. I knew that I had to do well in school so I could support my siblings and repay my brother for sacrificing his own education to take care of us.
With the help of my half-brother who was a teacher, I was able to finish my secondary education and travelled to Accra where I got a job as house help. My employers, who saw potential in me, decided to sponsor my education at the University of Ghana, where I studied computer science. Now, as a national service person, I am grateful to my employers (who became my foster parents) for the opportunities that I have been given and the lessons that I have learned.
One of the most important lessons that I learned over the years is the importance of my relationship with God. I picked up the habits of a committed Christian life from my foster parents. They showed me how a commitment to God could bring stability and meaning to my life. The other valuable lesson that I learned was how to navigate my way to economic independence. They gave me desktop computer and later, a laptop and I spend thousands of hours familiarizing myself with computers and eventually learning how to program.
I am also grateful to my data science mentor, Yvette Kondoh, who has been a guiding light in my life. With her support and encouragement, I am now determined to use my skills and experiences to make a positive difference in the world. This brings me to my dream of what I would do with a million dollars
A million dollars is a large sum of money, and I believe that it has the potential to bring about significant change. My dream is to start an NGO that focuses on empowering orphans and children from financially challenged backgrounds in Ghana, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance and personalize the programs that I offer.
50% of the million dollars will be dedicated to Skill Development Programs, which will provide computer training, financial literacy, and other essential life skills to these children. The goal is to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in today’s job market and support themselves and their families in the future. AI will help to personalize the learning experience and make it more effective and efficient.
30% of the funding will go towards Church Outreach Programs, which will work with local churches to provide spiritual support and guidance to the children. This will include religious education, youth programs, and community outreach initiatives. The aim is to lay a solid foundation of faith that will sustain them in the face of life’s challenges, and ultimately turn them into agents of change and ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, 20% of the funding will be set aside for Operating Costs, which will cover the day-to-day expenses of running the NGO, such as rent, utilities, staff salaries, and administrative costs. AI will be used to streamline administrative tasks, reducing the time and resources required to manage the organization.
The NGO will not be building orphanages, as this can sometimes create a dependency culture. Instead, it will work with single-parent families, relatives, and good Christian families to help these children. This way, they can live with their families while receiving the support they need to lift themselves out of poverty.
As a recent graduate, I don’t currently have a million dollars, but it’s a dream of mine to one day be able to put this amount of money to good use. My journey through life has been challenging, but it has also taught me the importance of supporting others who are struggling. I’ve been blessed with a number of people who have helped me along the way, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to study computer science and develop my skills in this field.
In conclusion, the goal of this proposed plan is to empower orphans and children from financially challenged backgrounds in Ghana. By equipping them with 21st century career skills and fostering their spiritual growth, we can help these children lift themselves out of poverty and fulfill their God-ordained purposes on earth. I hope that someday, my dream will no longer be a dream, but reality.
