“They say the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” This has been my life’s journey; one marked by struggle and resilience. Since birth, I have faced hardships that have shaped me into who I am. Growing up in a large family where even three simple meals were often hard to come by, I learned resilience from an early age. Being the youngest of eight, many assumed that my path would be easier, but my reality was quite the opposite.

My first memory of our financial difficulties came when I was just three years old. My father proudly walked me to the small school in our village, and for a moment, I felt a surge of joy at the idea of joining the other children. But that joy quickly turned to shame. My classmates ridiculed my clothing—what I had thought of as my special dress, reserved for Christmas and precious moments, was met with scorn. To me, it was all I had, but to them, it was a joke. Despite living in the same village, I realized that our lives were worlds apart.

After school, I returned home in tears, waiting for my mother to come back from the farm. She had expected school to bring me joy, but instead, it brought me pain. When I told her what had happened, we both wept together. She held me close and whispered, “This will be over one day.” Those words became a beacon of hope, and I clung to them through all my struggles. Even my teacher noticed my hardship. She gave me a seat by her desk, sparing me from further ridicule and even helped my family to buy my first school uniform.

As I progressed, financial difficulties were a constant barrier. Time and again, I was sent home because we could not pay my fees. Watching my older siblings, none of whom had the chance to complete their formal education, was both heartbreaking and motivating. Their unfulfilled dreams became my fuel; I was determined to succeed, no matter the obstacles.

When I reached Junior High School, the burden of school expenses grew heavier. To support myself, I tried rearing poultry, hoping it would provide some income for my fees and books. But time after time, illness, parasites, or theft would take away what little I had. I managed what I could, funneling every bit toward my education. Footwear became another hardship; I had only one pair of shoes, worn down to holes. I had no choice but to continue using them, as there was no money for another pair.

When I completed my basic education, I stayed home for a year and a half, working hard to save for secondary school. I can still remember the day I received my admission prospectus. My mother and I broke down, unable to hold back our tears, knowing we lacked the funds to pay. We reached out to family and even considered a bank loan, but without collateral, we had no options. Desperate, I sought help from anyone who might listen. A few compassionate individuals came forward, helping me pay for part of my admission fees, and I managed to begin my studies. Yet, within a few months, I was sent home again due to unpaid fees.

Each time I faced such setbacks, I felt the weight of my dreams slipping away. But each time, I found strength to keep going, working with the little my parents could earn from farming. I returned to school late, struggled to catch up, but through sheer determination and faith, I completed my secondary education.

After graduating, I stayed home for three more years, working to save up for university. From a young age, I have dreamed of becoming an economist, one who could contribute to ending poverty in Ghana, Africa, and beyond. I knew, however, that without education, this dream would remain unfulfilled. With nothing but hope, I used my small savings to purchase a university admission form. Against all odds, I was accepted to study Economics at a reputable university in Ghana. Yet, the joy was bittersweet, as I was given just a month to raise a significant amount for my admission fees. Without it, I risked losing my place.

I reached out to people through letters and emails, and with the help of a few generous supporters, I managed to secure the funds for my admission. But now, the challenge to continue weighs heavily on me. I rely on loans and every bit of personal effort to stay enrolled. With every passing day, I am reminded of my dream—to become an economist with the United Nations, working to realize the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

I hold onto this vision as my guiding light, knowing that I am so close. I want to make a difference in this world, to lift others from the same poverty that has marked my life. But to reach that point, I must first complete my education. If there is any help available to continue my journey, it would not only transform my life but also bring me closer to a future where I can give back to others who, like me, have faced insurmountable odds.”

Support for people like Bernard and dozens of other charitable projects have been possible by the support of PAC Tour riders during the past 20 years. These people are forever grateful for their unique opportunities to upgrade their lives.

Checks for tax deductible donations can be sent to:

F.P.C. Global Outreach
P.O. Box 303
Sharon, WI.  53585