This young man is a Challenging Heights superstar and has a story to tell. But first, let’s rewind 5 years…
Here he is, just 14 years old. His father died and his mother had to pay off the family debt, so she did the only thing she could think of… she sold Samuel to a trafficker to work off the money owed. Now he drags nets, scoops water from leaky boats, and sells the fish he catches. But not for much longer. Challenging Heights was just alerted that Samuel isn’t in school and is being forced to work. And they are on their way to confront his “master” and bring Samuel home.
Fast forward to today. Samuel is 19 years old and one incredible young man. When he came to Challenging Heights, he needed months of rehabilitation; he couldn’t read, write, or speak any English. Now, just five years later, he’s excelling in class, wants to be a computer engineer, and actively speaks out against child trafficking; he wants to prevent other children from experiencing the trauma of working on Lake Volta.
Samuel says he is able to socialize in a way he had never been afforded. Even during school vacation, he just wants to be at school, exchanging ideas, interacting with friends, and learning. But more importantly, he feels safe. The gate at the Challenging Heights School serves as a sign of security, where him and his friends are safe to learn, play, and grow. Samuel says, “I want all children in school, far away from the dangers of the lake and on the path to success”.
Here he is, just 14 years old. His father died and his mother had to pay off the family debt, so she did the only thing she could think of… she sold Samuel to a trafficker to work off the money owed. Now he drags nets, scoops water from leaky boats, and sells the fish he catches. But not for much longer. Challenging Heights was just alerted that Samuel isn’t in school and is being forced to work. And they are on their way to confront his “master” and bring Samuel home.
Fast forward to today. Samuel is 19 years old and one incredible young man. When he came to Challenging Heights, he needed months of rehabilitation; he couldn’t read, write, or speak any English. Now, just five years later, he’s excelling in class, wants to be a computer engineer, and actively speaks out against child trafficking; he wants to prevent other children from experiencing the trauma of working on Lake Volta.
Samuel says he is able to socialize in a way he had never been afforded. Even during school vacation, he just wants to be at school, exchanging ideas, interacting with friends, and learning. But more importantly, he feels safe. The gate at the Challenging Heights School serves as a sign of security, where him and his friends are safe to learn, play, and grow. Samuel says, “I want all children in school, far away from the dangers of the lake and on the path to success”.