The Broken Into Beautiful
I find significance in storytelling, which is why I spent a year capturing stories of girls with diverse backgrounds in Ghana, Africa. I especially tapped into the stories of girls who were not in school, since this was alarming to me. Thus, I took initiative by going to the market to interview these girls, where they sold various items. As the old saying goes, “Not until you walk in someone else’s shoes.”
Idle potential is the devil’s territory.
For these uneducated girls, their potential was being fashioned around sales—yet they were capable of so much more. Selling water or plantains at the market, making the equivalent of $2.00 a day (according to the girls whom I interviewed), sounded more appealing than an education. I learned that for some, they needed this money to help their families survive. I get that, but I cannot accept that. It just does not seem fair. Education IS the answer to unlocking poverty. Many parents did not see the value in education, which was also upsetting. For many reasons, the cycle continues.
Vera, a young girl who takes her education seriously, despite all of the barriers, shared stories of nearby girls who worked at the market instead of attending school. Vera’s dream is to teach children who are not in school and inform parents about the importance of education. It is a great dream if you ask me.
I was curious about the little girl playing with a blue bucket and a stick. I was an avid observer of the girls who sat in their shops all day watching the world pass by. My inquisitive spirit manifested as I watched girls carry big buckets on their heads. What did each of these girls aspire to become? That is a story in and of itself.
There is hope in the brokenness. There is courage in the fear. Self-confidence can really get you far in life.
So what is your story? How much courage do you have to step into the unknown?
For every girl in Ghana, Africa, if they believe that they are capable of more, I dare to say that the grass will be greener on the other side. In the brokenness is always an opportunity for beauty to shine.