Mahami Tahidu

Mahami Tahidu is blessed with strong legs. And although those legs were useful when he played soccer, at six years old they were his only means of transport from the farm, he walked eight kms every day to attend school. Given the typical rural nature of Ghana, farming is the main occupation. These farms, however, are usually located far from settlements where families live.

So every day Tahidu woke at dawn to trek the long road, balancing a pail of water on his little head, supported by his thin frame. He had no choice. Orphaned at the age of three, he was raised by his uncle. Tahidu, though young, knew his responsibilities. Going to school was not an option for him.

Tahidu lived in a tiny hamlet. These hamlets are scattered, located far from each other. Many of them have few children who actively attend classes; since the children are few and far between, it is difficult for schools to be set up in all communities. And with lack of encouragement by guardians and parents, about 46 per cent of children, nationwide are deprived of an education. But, for Tahidu, one day things changed. His uncle, on the advice of the local CCFC partner, enrolled him in a primary school.

At school, Tahidu discovered his talent for soccer and soon became a regular on the team. He studied hard to finish his junior high school exams. But, working at the farm and studying at school wasn’t easy for Tahidu, and he failed to graduate from senior high school.

Tahidu was miserable with his failure. He admits, “It was the lowest point in my life. But, I didn’t give up. I was determined to succeed.” He received the opportunity to take his exams a second time, and he passed.

After high school, Tahidu enrolled in the Teacher’s Training College in the town of Bimbilla. Today, at 21 years of age, he’s in his final year and will graduate with a diploma in education.

“My ambition is to become a school principal, and I hope to encourage children to seek greater heights,” says Tahidu. “CCFC has helped me in my long journey and I thank them for giving me a brighter future.”

“Tahidu is the shining star in our program,” says Zakaria Paul, head of sponsorship, with the local CCFC partner. “He believes in giving back to the program by assisting younger children, whenever he’s available.”

From being a poor, uneducated child, to a budding teacher, Tahidu has come a long way with CCFC.