For some years, Futurestars has run a Tema Child Welfare Project to help individual children from our partner schools who are struggling. Coach Caleb noted at training one day that there was something amis with two brothers – Anthony & Batholomey. “They just looked tired. Not just physically, but in their spirit. Their shoes were worn out and uniforms torn and faded.” Coach Caleb said.
When he spoke to them after training, the full story came out. Their parents were evicted from their rented apartment in Tema. With no place to stay, their parents had to return to Obuase. Anthony and Batholomey were supposed to follow — which would have ended their schooling and dreams overnight, but help came just in time. A family friend, close to their father, made it possible for them to stay in Tema and continue school, even though life became very hard.
Anthony (JHS 2) and Batholomey (Class 5) attend Community 7 Number 1 Basic School. They are also passionate footballers, proudly playing for both their school team and the Futurestars Charity Football Team. Every day, each boy manages on just GHS 10.00 — covering food, water, and extra classes. Out of this, they each pay GHS 3.00 daily just for lessons to keep up with school.
Moved by their courage, Futurestars stepped in and paid their extra classes fees for the full term, bought them new school shoes, bags, and are working to get them new uniforms too. “When we got the new bags and shoes, it felt like Christmas,” Batholomey said, smiling shyly.
Today, the boys walk onto the field and into the classroom with fresh hope. Even better news — preparations are underway to add Anthony and Batholomey to the Tema Child Welfare Project at the start of the next school term, which means tuition, books and uniforms, and contribution to food will all be covered, allowing them to fully focus on their education and their dreams.
“We just want to make our parents proud and play football at the highest level one day,” Anthony said.
Their journey is still tough, but with the right support and their own never-give-up spirit, these brothers are showing that even in the hardest times, hope can win.
