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Senchi Ferry is a small rural community
in West Africa whose people have been subjected to events beyond their control.
The building of the Akosombo Dam, constructed to provide electricity to Ghana, displaced this entire agricultural
community. They were forced to relocate and lost their ancestral homeland, sustainable farms and family income.
Today, the population is approximately 2,000 people with an average monthly family
income of $50.00.
95% of the children attend school thru 8th grade as there are no tuition costs.
However, less than 10% of the children attend high school, due to an annual
tuition fee of $500, a sum far beyond their means. The reason that tuition to high school is
so expensive compared to the village's monthly income is because it covers: uniforms, books (which are very expensive
in Ghana), room and board (all meals), and all education supplies. For a family living in a city such as Accra or for
parents with paying jobs, this fee is not as overwhelming. But, for a rural village family with limited opportunity
to make money this fee is unattainable. However, once educated, these children will bring new income and opportunity
to the Senchi village increasing prosperity for all. This becomes the lifting of a community out of poverty and into
possibility.....this is a good thing.
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