FaithFuel Newsletter January 2025

From the Classroom to the Court: How A2S Shaped Samuel’s Story

My dearest Faithfuel Community,

Happy New Year!

I am most delighted to be back and glad to be starting this year with you. We are most grateful for the privilege to be given the opportunity to tell God’s stories around us while identifying our place in these stories.

Starting this year, we were humbled by the inspiring story of Samuel, a 15-year-old kid who is raised by his mother alongside his five siblings.

Samuel’s Mother, Mrs. Kemi, heard about Access to Success through Samuel’s elder sister who insisted that her siblings should be a part of the program.

“We are a family that struggles a lot. My husband was a full-time pastor, and I was only selling provisions at that time. I will always take loans from loan facilities to support the family and my small business, but most times I will not see the profit from the business,” Mrs. Kemi shared.

“I have always known that Samuel was a lucky boy because of the things that always happen whenever Samuel is involved. Their father was initially skeptical about the Foundation and would always kick against the idea to enroll them. But my daughter was persistent, she kept saying her friends were benefiting from the program. When we eventually did enroll, Samuel was the only one that got in,” she added.

“In 2020, A2S came through for my family. It was a period that was difficult for us, and the pandemic didn’t allow us to go out to make money. I knew that there was nowhere we could get food, and I couldn’t afford to let my children go hungry,” Mrs. Kemi explained. “Just when I almost gave up, A2S called us and gave us food. My husband couldn’t contain his joy and kept praying for them!”

Samuel also shared how A2S helped shape his life and gave him direction.

“When I joined A2S seven years ago, I was young and it didn’t make sense. Not until I lost my Dad; I felt lost, and I didn’t want anything. But A2S gave me another direction: basketball. I found myself playing basketball, and with time, it became a part of me,” Samuel shared. “I always play on Saturdays, and I will walk a long distance to get to the closest basketball court. My mum doesn’t know that I walk that distance because I don’t want her to feel bad.”

Mrs. Kemi also recounted occasions when she worried about Samuel.

“When His Father was on the sick bed, Samuel would always sit beside him all night. One of the days when I came home, I met Samuel beside his Father praying. I was touched and I got worried when he died, because I feared that he would be withdrawn. But surprisingly, Samuel got busy, always looking for a chance to go to the A2S Youth Center,” Mrs. Kemi recounted.

Samuel also shared his academic struggles.

“I usually struggle with mathematics, and it was affecting my academics, but when I joined the After School Academy, I improved. I want to study business administration and also play professional basketball.”

He added, “When I joined the ICT class, it was not hard for me initially because I had a little knowledge of graphic design. I struggled to understand how to code at first, but now I am catching up.”

“I always look forward to giving back to the Foundation. It’s always my desire to volunteer and also be a part of the amazing things that the Foundation is doing for me and other kids like me,” Samuel shared.

As I watched Samuel and his Mother share their story with me, I had a moment of reflection on how God cares for the details in our lives such as the way He used A2S to help improve Samuel’s grades and to help introduce him to his love of basketball. God finds ways to help us through the people around us, and he uses those people to provide solace in each other’s arms in their darkest moments. As you pray for our families here in Nigeria, remember we are the missing puzzle that completes others’ stories.

With Love,

Omotayo

A2S Communications Coordinator