My father and mother were peasant farmers who worked the fields with a hand hoe near the village of Yipala. The labour was grinding so they decided to have many children for more help in the fields. I am seventh of nine. But the struggles were unending, so when I was in Primary 6 my father left. It was beyond difficult for my mother to feed and clothe all nine of us so we all contributed any way we could. Some of the older ones had to leave school. After school I worked in the fields, collected firewood and made charcoal. Starting at 4 am Mom and I picked shea nuts before I left for school. Later we processed and sold shea butter. During holidays we worked on other farms. I often went to school on an empty stomach with broken sandals and in a ripped, too-small uniform. We could not pay board in Damongo so I walked one hour each way. Life was really difficult.
Mr. Bore, a teacher at Damongo Senior Secondary school, stopped me at school one day to ask questions about my family. The following week he introduced me to Madame Gabriella, who was a scholarship administrator. I could not believe my good fortune - for the next two years of high school my fees were paid! I graduated in 2013 and in 2014 was accepted into Health Assistant Training College in Damongo. Tools for Schools Africa Fdn. continued to pay my school fees. After graduation as a certificate nurse I began work with Ghana Health Services at Dormaa East District Hospital. In 2022 I left to further my education, and am now in level 300 of a four year nursing program at the Catholic University of Ghana.
I am now thirty two years old and married with two sons, aged five and two years. Without the support of this scholarship program, my life would have been an unending struggle. I lost my mum in August 2016 because she had worked her body beyond her limits, not yet 60 years old. With the blessing of education, I have an easier life, am able to help my siblings and know that my boys will never go to school hungry. I help people who are in need like I was.
Alfreda A
My name is Alfreda. I am from the Upper East Region of Ghana. My father had three wives, but only my mum is still alive. I had four brothers but two are late now. When I was about one year old, my father gave me to his sister. I began school but after a short time I was denied school as they needed me to care for twins. One day at the market I met another aunt who told the family they had to pay me or allow me to return to school. They agreed to school so to earn money for school fees I processed shea butter and worked on construction as a labourer.
I met Marilyn in Tamale in 2009 and with great joy found my tertiary school fees would be paid. Through a library book I had learned about electricity so entered that field, and now have a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering. At present I work as an electrical estimator, informing people of the cost of connecting to the national grid. I am also responsible for securing assets like transformers, electricity poles, meters and any valuable assets for the company of Enterprise Geographically Information System (EGIS).
I am married with three children, and I really enjoy rearing animals like fowls, guinea fowls, sheep and goats. I care for the children of my late brother and visit the orphanage. All I am able to do is because I received six years of support from Tools for Schools Africa Foundation. I send a very big thank you to all who sponsored me and will always be grateful and appreciative.
Rishada A
My name is Rashida, a graduate of the University of Development Studies and currently a banker and businesswoman based in Tamale.
I was privileged to benefit from Tools for Schools Africa (TFSA) in 2009, shortly after I lost my father. TFSA supported me through senior high school and UDS, providing accommodation, learning materials, and my first laptop, which greatly supported my academic research and coursework. I graduated in 2017 with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. Driven by my passion for banking, I had contract work as a money laundering officer until the pandemic led to layoffs.
During this period, I established a mothercare business which I manage successfully. I have recently gained employment with a reputable bank and remain committed to excelling professionally while growing my enterprise. My long-term goal is to expand my business and to continue supporting TFSA (Shine Sisters Society) so more girls can benefit from the opportunities I received.
All my dreams, aspirations, and sense of purpose were made possible and nurtured through TFSA. While the financial support during my school days was important, it was the love, encouragement, mentorship, and life-changing interactions with sisters from different fields that truly shaped me. I developed the desire to give back and help other girls who find themselves in situations similar to mine. Thank you for being a vital part of my life journey and growth.
Mpagya (I am truly grateful).
Anita K
I was raised in a humble farming-oriented family where education was deeply valued despite financial limitations. Growing up, my home environment taught me resilience, determination, and responsibility. Despite economic challenges, my educational journey has been defined by the lessons I have learned, every opportunity you have given me, and the timely support of your mentors and sponsors, which has brought me this far.
I graduated from high school and then attended The Damongo Agricultural Institute for three years. An opportunity opened to learn more in Uganda, so Tools for Schools Africa Fdn. paid for a laptop and that additional year of training. While there I applied for and received a scholarship to attend a university program in Costa Rica, which required learning Spanish, but I was successful in graduating. I returned to Ghana where I was a Junior Business advisor at Esoko and was fortunate to get another scholarship to Prairie View A&M University in the US. I am currently a Graduate Research Assistant in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science, working on plant physiology, environmental monitoring, soil science, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, and AgriTech.
I am deeply grateful for your support. It has enabled me to enhance my research skills, which will help rural farmers find the solutions needed to feed their families throughout the year. Looking ahead, I hope to translate research into real-world impact, particularly in rural communities. I remain committed to using this opportunity to uplift others, just as I have been supported.
Thank you so much, I will forever be grateful.
Janet A
My name is Janet. I am the second-born of five siblings. My parents are originally from Wiaga in the Upper East Region of Ghana but relocated to the southern part of the country in search of better opportunities. From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a graduate. Despite significant financial challenges, including limited support from my mother and the absence of my father, I worked to support myself by engaging in various forms of work such as trading, housekeeping, and small-scale mining. During my final year of senior high school in Damongo I was selected as the recipient of a scholarship provided by Tools for Schools Africa Foundation. They continued that support while I attended the nursing program at Presbyterian University, Kumasi from which I graduated in 2017 with a BSc in Nursing.
After completing my national service in the Northern Region of Ghana, I began my professional career in 2018. I initially worked in a rural healthcare facility near Kumasi, an experience that later opened the door for me to join Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, a major tertiary hospital in the city. I applied to nurse in Alberta, Canada, and in January of 2025 I landed in Edmonton, Alberta, where I now live. I have been to visit Momma Marilyn at her home!
Currently, I am nursing in Endoscopy at the Royal Alexandra Hospital where I continue to pursue my passion for patient care.
I am deeply grateful to Tools For Schools Africa Foundation for making my dream of becoming a nurse a reality. I sincerely appreciate the support, encouragement, and guidance provided throughout every stage of my journey.
Ayishetu K
I am writing to personally thank you for your extraordinary generosity in awarding me a scholarship from 2010-2012 (High School) and 2014-2018 (University). Your commitment to supporting students like myself is truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness.
Receiving this scholarship meant so much more than just financial aid. It provided immense peace of mind and allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. I finished with Second Class Upper Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Rural Development. I am committed to honoring your investment by actively seeking opportunities to give back to my community, much like you have.
I am currently teaching in one of the best Private Educational Institutions in Tamale, Ghana West Africa (FAITH- HILL COMMUNITY SCHOOL) where I teach English Language, Social studies, Religious and Moral Education and History. I love teaching because it feels good to see and know that I am imparting knowledge and grooming future leaders.
Thank you again for your belief in my potential and for making such a significant difference in my educational journey. Thank you again for your generosity.
Joyce Y
My family home is Murugu where my father raises maize, yams and cassava. We are four children and I am the youngest.
My scholarships began in 2016 when I was in junior high school. After completing high school I went to the University of Energy and Natural Resources in 2021 where I enrolled in Information Technology. The scholarships continued covering my basic expenses, which allowed me to focus fully on my studies. In October 2024 I graduated with a BSc, a moment of immense pride for me and my family.
The nine years of SSS scholarships did more than cover expenses. I want to say how much I benefitted from the mentorship and encouragement of the Shine community. I learned firsthand how powerful encouragement and support can be.
I was assigned to the St. Anne Catholic Hospital, Damongo for National Service. I worked there in the IT department. My role at the hospital involved managing the day-to-day operation of IT systems. Looking forward, I plan to pursue further certification in cybersecurity and system administration as I am particularly interested in the growing need for digital security in public institutions.
Being awarded these scholarships changed the course of my life, and I carry the values of Shine with me in all that I do: excellence, integrity, and the drive to uplift others. As I move forward in my career, I remain committed to representing SSS proudly and contributing to its mission of supporting others.
Ayisha M
My name is Ayisha, a first-class graduate in Public Health Nursing from the Catholic University of Ghana. My journey with the Shine Sisters Society began in 2016 when I was selected as one of ten girls recognized for academic excellence and financial need. At a point where my dreams of higher education were threatened by financial hardship, the Society stepped in. What began as support for my junior high fees blossomed into a full scholarship for my tertiary education, proving that this initiative is more than just financial aid,it is a foundation for confidence, opportunity, and life-changing growth.
During my four years at the university, the Society ensured my tuition, hostel fees, and academic expenses were fully covered, even providing a laptop to aid my studies. This support allowed me to immerse myself fully in my academics and community outreach programs, such as health screenings and home visits. By maintaining regular contact with the scholarship board and submitting progress reports, I remained accountable and motivated, eventually graduating in October 2024 with first-class honors, a proud milestone made possible by the Society belief in my potential.
Currently, I am fulfilling my National Service at West Gonja Hospital, Damongo, where I apply my skills to serve my community. The investment made in me has instilled a deep sense of responsibility to give back, and I am committed to helping other underprivileged students access to education. I am forever grateful to the Shine Sisters Society for transforming my life and empowering my future.
Khadijah S
Growing up in Damongo, my dad worked hard to provide for my siblings and me, but it was not easy for him. Despite the challenges, my parents encouraged us to focus on education. I have always been ambitious, and as a child, I started writing and reading on radio at a young age. I took on leadership roles in school because I have always aspired to be in the Communication and Law field one day.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to Pastor Gbulo, the mentor at Newlife Preparatory School who first recommended me for a Tools for Schools Africa scholarship. Getting sponsorship made a huge impact on my education as it covered my tuition fees from JHS 2 through high school. When my WASSCE (high school) results were out and I got distinction, I received the news that Shine Sisters Society would generously cover my tuition fees for the next four years, culminating in my graduation in November of 2025.
My unending gratitude goes to Madam Marilyn, Miss Francisca and Sisters Sophia and Jemima for their unwavering support through my journey. The writing of annual reports and the yearly reunion programs have been instrumental in my growth, pushing me to strive for excellence. It has been a great honour and privilege to be part of this community that made my dreams a reality. I am grateful to you all for the tireless efforts, advice and guidance. I hope to pursue a Masters degree next year, work in a PR field, read Law, and one day give back to my community in Damongo. God bless you all.
Monica Y
I am a student at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, currently in year three of a Bachelor of Science Agricultural Technology. I am honoured to be a proud beneficiary of a Shine Sisters Society scholarship. Being a beneficiary has been a life-changing experience that has empowered me to pursue my education with confidence and focus.
After high school I attended Damongo Agricultural College, where I majored in General Agriculture. In June of 2018 I successfully graduated but was not getting employment opportunities and so I set up a small mushroom business to generate some income until I gained admission to the University for Development Studies. Shine Sisters Society continued to sponsor and guide me, that I will complete in 2026. In the near future, I hope to become a vibrant entrepreneur in the area of mushroom production, processing and distribution.
The Shine Sisters Society has planted in me a spirit of excellence and compassion. I am committed to keeping the light shining in other lives. My once gloomy life situation has become one full of excitement, hope and aspirations. I can feel a stronger sense of betterment going into the future, all because of the intervention of Shine Sisters Society in my life.