Ten-year-old Grace is the first of three children and a class six student whose dream is to become a Fashion Designer. It was surprising because right from a tender age, Grace has always wanted to become a fashionista irrespective of what others say; all she is waiting for is to grow tall enough to reach the sewing machine pedal so she can learn to make beautiful outfits for herself and others. Still, for now, Grace keeps herself busy by mending clothes and making dolls with her favorite kid sister, Precious. Her role model is her hard-working mum, and her prayer is for God to grant her a safe delivery as she is heavily pregnant.

This optimistic youngster enjoys learning at the After School Academy and making new friends. She met Osasere and Annabel, two of her closest friends, and the three enjoyed playing games and reading together. In an atmosphere of joy, her parents expressed sincere appreciation for all the school supplies, food, and love showered on the children at the After School Academy to the US team and some founding members of A2S who visited their home during the Vision Trip.

Grace adores her parents so much and is grateful they are still a loving couple because broken families are common in her neighborhood. Her family observes morning and evening prayers, and she is deeply thankful to God for giving her the knowledge and intelligence she needs to stand out among her classmates. She is incredibly proud of her parents because they make an effort to care for their children, and they are equally proud of her because she consistently performs at the top of her class and is committed to her academics. Grace wishes for better living conditions for her family and a home free of mosquitoes because this issue is a serious problem in her neighborhood.

Within walking distance of their home, Grace’s parents manage a palm wine shop, a popular local beverage made from palm trees. Grace hopes to be able to aid them by giving them better housing and financial support in the future, as their income is often not enough to support their family. She does her best to care for her siblings and clean the house for the time being. Grace accepts the good news that Jesus died for her sins and trusts that as He cares for the birds of the air and plants in the fields, He will take care of her family.

With the Home Management Club at the Academy, Grace recently learned how to make hairbands, fancy hats, and keyholders. She looks forward to more fun learning. Grace is a bright light whose delight and sincere love for people are unaffected by her present difficulties and wishes for everyone to abstain from vice and live a virtues-filled life.

A Note from A2S Development Manager, Laura Knight..

This summer was my second visit to our programs in Nigeria and my second time visiting the homes of our FaithFuel families. It is always humbling to see how the children we serve live every day. It is always exciting to be greeted with the pride with which our children’s parents welcome us into their homes. Grace’s family was no different. Her mother and father took time out of their day to make sure they were present for our visit. They welcomed us inside with big smiles and were excited to talk about their children. Grace shared that she loves to sew- she had even made some of her younger sister’s clothing! I immediately thought she could be a mini Victory Akowe, a recent Pitch Competition winner who is a fashion designer. As A2S grows, our kids get to look to others in our community as role models. I can’t wait to see how Grace continues to grow and whether she works for or with Victory someday. It was so special to be able to sit with her and her family to learn about her story on our trip.

Our After School Academy is filled with stories like Grace’s and these stories are fueled by your consistent support. Thank you so much for being providers in prayer and in giving for our children. Because of you, Grace gets to come to a place after school where she can learn more about fashion design and follow her passion. You are making dreams like hers a reality through this incredible community!

With Gratitude,

Laura Knight