Awushetu’s story is a testament to the power of grit and resilience in overcoming a disadvantaged background. Hailing from marginalized Northern Ghana, her journey to self-fulfillment and becoming a pillar of financial support for her family was fraught with obstacles.
At fourteen, Awushetu lost her father, shouldering the immense responsibility of caring for her siblings and grandmother. Life grew harsh, leading her mother to remarry and sending Awushetu and her siblings to live with an uncle. To support her siblings and grandmother, she sold firewood for meager profits. Without parental guidance, she eventually became pregnant, leading to her expulsion from Secondary School, with no support from the baby’s father.
Entrusting her young daughter to her mother, Awushetu moved to Accra in search of a brighter future. However, her dreams could not have been further from the reality that awaited her. Her days in Accra were filled with grueling labor – carrying heavy loads in markets, handwashing clothes, cleaning homes, fetching water, and sleepless nights. Homeless, she slept on the streets, vulnerable to danger.
“I used to sleep on the verandah of a building with other porters from the market. One night, a lady sleeping at the edge felt someone touching her intimately. She woke up and screamed, causing panic. People scattered, and some got hurt. Soon, we discovered that all our hard-earned money had been stolen.”
Awushetu at her reception post at Ansike Guest House
Despite her circumstances, Awushetu’s yearning for education persisted. “I wished to continue my education. I borrowed some money from a kind lady and travelled to Sunyani to write my entrance exams to go back to school. Unfortunately, I failed two of my papers because I had no time to learn. I was always in the market looking for work to support myself and my family back home.”
The Get Into Employment Programme proved to be Awushetu’s lifeline. “I decided to join the Get Into programme because nobody knows the path to their success. I thought to myself that this may be my chance to leave behind my suffering. This may be where those who don’t know of me get to hear about me.”
“I have never heard of a job application where you don’t need to buy forms, and you even get to choose what food you’d like to eat at your interview. I was so amazed and I really appreciate the Get Into Programme for that.”
The programme equipped her with essential skills and work experiencein the Hospitality field. Awushetu attests that her participation significantly sharpened her abilities in communication, problem-solving, and customer service. These skills were refined during the initial training sessions and further polished during her hands-on work experience as a hotel staff.
Today, Awushetu thrives in her role, doubling as a Receptionist and Housekeeper at Annesike Guest House, securing not only employment, but also accommodations, a fair wage, and vital support for her family.
“I have become a different person now, and it’s clear. I have really grown from whom I used to be. From selling in the market to managing a guest house. I used to wander about looking for odd jobs, but now I have purpose and spend my time wisely.”
Awushetu performing her duties as Receptionist
“I have accommodation now, with a bathroom and toilet right in my room. I no longer have to use unpleasant public toilets and bathhouses. My bathroom is so clean that, I could even lie down and sleep in it if I wished.” Awushetu reflected gratefully.
Her employers are impressed by her adeptness, often entrusting her with running the Guest House independently. “I have learnt how to handle customers. My manager leaves me in charge when he travels without any concern. I have also been given the responsibility of training a new employee. I wouldn’t have known how to do any of this without the soft skills training.”
Awushetu’s financial discipline has allowed her to save money and provide for her daughter and siblings, covering their education and daily needs. She even sent money to her mother to establish a small provision stall, creating a source of income for her family back home.
Flourishing in her career in the Hospitality industry, Awushetu eagerly anticipates broadening her horizons through additional skill development and dreams of reuniting with her daughter.
Awushetu’s journey from hardship to success has not only transformed her own life but also ignited a passion for uplifting others. “Whenever it rains, I think of my friends from the market whom I used to sleep on the streets with, and I say a prayer for them hoping they are safe from the rain.” Now, Awushetu commits her spare time to visiting her friends from her old life to encourage them to strive for more out of life, and introduce them to life-changing opportunities like the Get Into Employment Programme.
