My dearest FaithFuel community,

I am forever in awe of your commitment to the mission, and I am deeply grateful to God for giving us a gift as precious as you. This season has been filled with events that have brought me closer to the beauty of Access to Success.

In this 15-year journey of our organization, forming relationships has been one of our strongest pillars, which has brought us together, becoming one with you. It has also given us a place in the hearts of the kids that we serve.

This month, we will be journeying through the life of a child to whom I have connected deeply over the last year, and I won’t be holding back my pen.

Meet Olabisi—a 16-year-old, dark-skinned, petite teen with a radiant presence that shines wherever she goes. Olabisi joined the After School Academy at just two years old, and it has been a privilege to watch her grow into the remarkable young woman she is today.

Her talent for public speaking was first discovered by Mitchell, our communications coordinator at the time, during one of their early video projects. From that moment, it was clear: Olabisi had a natural gift. Since then, she has risen to become the lead of the kids’ A2S media team, using her voice and skills to tell stories and inspire others.

Her mother, Mrs. Lawrenta, works as a receptionist at a frame shop. She describes Olabisi as a visionary with remarkable initiative and determination. No matter the obstacles, Olabisi pushes herself with grace and grit.

As the third of five children, Olabisi finds her joy in books. Unlike what you might expect from a budding media personality, she prefers to lose herself in the pages of stories rather than the screen of a television. Sadly, her school lacks a proper library, making it difficult for her to pursue her favorite pastime.

There was a time when her father could no longer afford tuition, and Olabisi had to pause her education. Not one to give up, her mother enrolled her in the only viable alternative—a distant public school. Despite the distance and lack of transportation, Olabisi walked miles each day just to attend class.

Thankfully, the Rutledge Johnson Library at the A2S Youth Center became her sanctuary—a place where her hunger for knowledge could finally be fed. The library has become essential to her academic success, providing access to books and resources that help her excel in school.

Olabisi’s teachers and peers note that she is inquisitive, a fast learner, and possesses outstanding leadership traits, which she exhibits when assigned to supervise her teammate. She has also single-handedly helped out in covering programs, assisting in taking pictures and creating videos whenever called upon.

In her words, “Access to Success supports me with school supplies, now my mum doesn’t have to worry about these things. A2S has instilled in me the understanding that, regardless of my limitations, giving up on my dreams should never be an option. They have helped build my skills; I am constantly exposed to the media space even more. I can efficiently work with cameras, develop video ideas, and create designs thanks to my ICT classes and Media classes. These are privileges I don’t get in school, and I could not afford them on my own,” she said.

In the 13 years she has been at Access to Success, Olabisi has grown in skill and maturity, and is evolving into a remarkable young adult. Her dedication and hard work are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, and she is a source of inspiration for us to continue our work.

Keeping in mind the assignment that God has laid in our hearts, we are constantly working toward our goal of raising godly stewards, reminding each child that their dreams are worthy and valid of pursuit.

So, as I drop my pen today, I hope you are reminded that your prayers continue to water the seeds that are planted on the field, and the harvest continues to bloom in God’s perfect time. Thank you for always serving and praying with us.

My heart is full of abundant love for you.

Omotayo Oluwashola,

Communication Coordinator