Childhood dream becomes happy reality for former sponsored boy

By William Anim-Dankwa, communications manager, Ghana

Picture of Yusif Salam in Clinic

How child sponsorship helped Yusif reach his goals and discover fresh insights into a new world

There’s one thing better than working hard to achieve your dream job — finding out you love it. That’s exactly what Yusif Salam, a 26-year-old psychiatric nurse in Ghana, has done.

“What I love most is when I see patients smile after they are healed,” Yusif, who works for Ghana Health Service, says.

He adds: “I am also growing in my understanding of the myths held by my community, when it comes to psychiatric issues and (mental health). Sometimes people believe madness is caused by spiritual forces, but my study of psychiatric nursing has helped me unravel some of these long-held perceptions.”

Reaching his goal wasn’t easy. Yusif overcame many hardships, including finding a way to and from school and training programs. And, while he was a student at nursing college, he had a hard time affording admission.

“But (being sponsored through Children Believe) was very helpful,” he says, noting that it gave him the means to pay for nursing school and even senior high.

Yusif confirms sponsorship helped finance school uniforms, school bags, pencils and pens. And, personal financial gifts from his sponsor — for birthdays and holidays — made it possible for him to pay school fees as well as buy clothes and a bicycle to get around.

“I am grateful for the support,” he says. If not for (sponsorship) I don’t know what I would have done to get to this level. May the Lord bless my sponsor and all donors. By their efforts, I am constantly trying to improve myself to support my community and give back to society.”

Help a child reach their dreams. Sponsor a child today.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance:

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

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