There’s one thing better than working hard to achieve your dream job — finding out you love it. That’s exactly what Yusif Salam, a 26-year-old psychiatric nurse in Ghana, has done.
“What I love most is when I see patients smile after they are healed,” Yusif, who works for Ghana Health Service, says.
He adds: “I am also growing in my understanding of the myths held by my community, when it comes to psychiatric issues and (mental health). Sometimes people believe madness is caused by spiritual forces, but my study of psychiatric nursing has helped me unravel some of these long-held perceptions.”
Reaching his goal wasn’t easy. Yusif overcame many hardships, including finding a way to and from school and training programs. And, while he was a student at nursing college, he had a hard time affording admission.
“But (being sponsored through Children Believe) was very helpful,” he says, noting that it gave him the means to pay for nursing school and even senior high.
Yusif confirms sponsorship helped finance school uniforms, school bags, pencils and pens. And, personal financial gifts from his sponsor — for birthdays and holidays — made it possible for him to pay school fees as well as buy clothes and a bicycle to get around.
“I am grateful for the support,” he says. “If not for (sponsorship) I don’t know what I would have done to get to this level. May the Lord bless my sponsor and all donors. By their efforts, I am constantly trying to improve myself to support my community and give back to society.”
Help a child reach their dreams. Sponsor a child today.