Dearest FaithFuel Community,

It’s that time again—when I get to send you a little encouragement and love along with real-life stories that remind us why we do what we do. The past month, I had the privilege of sharing some of our “God stories” with the amazing team on the ground, and it was deeply heartwarming.

This month, I bring you the story of Faith—a young girl whose life is a reflection of grace, grit, and growth.

“My name is Faith. I’m seventeen years old, the fourth of five children in a family of seven. I’m currently in my final year of high school. I’ve been a part of the After School Academy since 2018.

We live in a one-room apartment—my siblings and I—with our parents. My dad works as a driver, and my mum is a cleaner at a small hospital nearby. They both wake up each day and push through just to make sure we eat. It’s not always easy, but they try.”

Faith’s mom, Mrs. Patience, chimed in with her perspective:

“Life hasn’t been cozy for us. In fact, we’ve lived hand to mouth for many years. My husband’s job as a driver isn’t stable. After making daily returns to the car owner, he’s often left with little or nothing. I started working as a cleaner just to support him and the kids.

Watching my children walk long distances to school without proper books or even food used to break me. I made up my mind that I wanted them to have everything I never did—but life had other plans.”

Faith’s eyes hold stories that words can’t quite capture—but she did her best to explain her thoughts:

“Much hasn’t changed drastically… but compared to the past, I see hope now. I remember being in JSS2 with no notebook, no money. I was constantly punished at school for not having my books. It was painful. I felt helpless. But the After School Academy became my safe place. My friends there helped me get through that season, and Access to Success came through with notebooks and school supplies.”

She continues:

“Access to Success didn’t just help me with school materials—they helped me find my voice.

I used to struggle with making career choices. My dad wanted something different for me, something I didn’t feel connected to. But now, I’ve been guided and empowered to choose my path—and I’m standing firm in it.”

Mrs. Patience chimes in again, this time with a spark of joy:

“The day we heard about Access to Success was like a miracle walking through our door. That year during a mission trip, my family received a package from A2S. And since then, Christmas has never been the same.

Before now, my kids never had new shoes for Christmas. But since joining the Academy, every December has been different. Each year, they’ve had something to look forward to. Those shoes—though simple—have made our Christmases unforgettable.”

Faith smiles as she shares more:

“I love to sing, dance, and talk. I’m expressive, and I’ve been able to explore all that at the Academy. It feels like home.”

Her story is more than just one of survival—it’s the reason why we keep doing what we do. Faith’s journey is a reminder that every little effort we put in, every prayer we offer, and every gift we give is shaping lives and rewriting futures.

So as you pray for Faith and her family, know that we are constantly praying for you and your loved ones too. Your kindness is seen, felt, and deeply appreciated.

With love always,

Omotayo Oluwashola

Communication Coordinator