Patience is 12 years old and in her fifth year at Konadu Basic School. Before this school existed, she didn't and potentially would never have attended school.
Patience in her bedroom before the school day begins.
Every morning before school, Patience sweeps the yard around her house.
The kitchen in Patience's family home.
Patience hopes to become a nurse one day. She loves reading and dreams of someday also being able to learn computers.
A series of phone numbers on a wall in Patience's family home.
More than anything, Patience thinks of her family's welfare. She is one of 4 children, the newest is a baby girl, born just a couple of months ago. Around the same time as the baby was born, her father was in an accident and lost the use of his leg so he is currently unable to work.
Patience walks to the school bus.
Waiting for the bus with her classmate.
Patience gets her books ready before school.
Konadu Basic School provides a breakfast of rice porride to students every morning.
Mid-morning, the older students help to wash all of the dishes.
Patience performs during her school's 5 year celebration.
After school, Patience plays with her other classmates.
Her school books.
Patience with her new baby sister.
Every day after school, Patience travels to the local water source, about a quarter of a mile from their home.
She makes the trip to get water at least 3 times.
I spent one day with Patience which was more than enough time for me to see how strong she is. If you would like to make a donation that directly helps her and her fellow students to succeed, please visit the thaakat foundation. this story was created during a project in partnership with photographers without borders.