Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Mensah.
Hi Samuel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Umbrella For the African Child was formerly known as Umbrella Ghana. I started the organization back in University (African University College of Communications, Accra, Ghana). The organization back then was to educate university students to take pride in being African. I went to a school that was diverse, we had students from Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, Mail, etc. I noticed in all the student organizations and associations in school there was no organization that bring these diverse groups under one umbrella where we talk about Africa, and how to move the continent forward by exchanging ideas and organizing debates. I worked with African studies Lecturers and professors to help in organizing programs that will stimulate student growth on campus. In 2019 I traveled back to Lagos, Nigeria, specifically Ajegunle the community I grew up in. When I came back to Ajegunle I noticed a lot of things have changed in the community, children engaged in all sorts of illegal activities, drugs, gangs, etc. One thing I observed was children, and youths lacked mentors, and the right support for them was lacking. I knew I needed to do something so I spoke to community leaders, and some colleagues and we organized a seminar for teenagers in Ajegunle. We had 4 mentors coming to speak to the teenagers. Our first project was in June and we had 100 teenagers in attendance. After the project, I had a lot of messages from parents and teenagers telling me how important the seminar was for them and their children and they need more of this for the community. At that moment I knew the model of Umbrella Ghana needs to change and the next year 2020 we changed the name to UMBRELLA FOR THE AFRICAN CHILD our priority now geared towards children and supporting them with the right tools for them to thrive in school and home. We tackle two (2) SDG GOALS, QUALITY EDUCATION AND ZERO HUNGER. Fast forward to 2022 we have reached over 10 thousand children in Rural areas in Nigeria and Ghana. We are committed towards helping and fighting for the rights of the African child.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I will say no because with the goal and mission as ours to reach more children in Rural Africa we need funds to help us carry out our strategic projects for children and youths.
Thankfully, I have Partners who believe in the vision of the organization and they are all committed in taking the organization to the next level. I am currently working hand in hand with Mr. Opara Obinna, Miss Jennifer, and Mr. Damilare Odunowo these individuals are helping UMBRELLA FOR THE AFRICAN CHILD with the needed resources not just financially.
Notwithstanding we still need more support from like-minded individuals and organizations.
We also struggle in communicating with parents about the welfare of children most parents are rigid in their convictions for their children, so when we try to educate them some of them find it offensive. What we are doing now is trying to work with organizations dedicated in child development and partner with them to help us educate parents.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a child advocate and mentor to children, and youth living in the trenches. My specific target area is rural communities because I can relate with children in that area as I have experienced their struggles growing up.
I am passionate about children; some can even say I speak the language of children.
I am proud of our amazing group of volunteers. They are dedicated 24/7 ensuring we get the job done.
I am also proud of the project I started to help Teenagers in Ajegunle, called “TAKE AJEGUNLE CHILD ALONG”. This project is a form of tour where we take children outside their comfort zone to the rich communities in Lagos (Lekk, Surulere, etc.) for them to experience how life is there. We also connect them with mentors. The goal of the project is to inspire and motivate them to dream big and never settle for less when they come back home.
What set me apart is my love for children, they are my one word and I know we all talk about love for children, but my love for them is not ordinary it’s heavenly.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Non-Profit sector plays a lot of roles in supporting the African Government. Over the years there have been disagreements between the NGO sector and Government. Most often we are tagged as “only exposing the bad leadership of the government” which is not all true. Yes! we expose, but we also extend our hands to the government to try and correct their mistakes.
For me in the next 5-10 years I see change, I see governments, policymakers put strategies in place to support more NGOs on ground with the right resources to help them tackle issues they are passionate about. And this change is going to shape lives of millions of people in Africa.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbnqoJhFDmx/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/utac21/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/4dchildren
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCOxiKSnE__Y5CoCfx3t80iA
Image Credits
Smiles Africa
Akua Kids Foundation
Magho Foundation
Homeland Ghana
Hope For The African Child
Utac Volunteer Family
