From Sponsored Child to Teacher: Imurana’s Journey of Hope and Empowerment

Imurana’s dream of becoming a teacher nearly ended the day his father was struck by a car, leaving him unable to work. As the family’s main provider, his father’s accident was devastating for his family, leading the family into financial uncertainty and threatening young Imurana’s education. Growing up in the Kanvilli community in Ghana, his future had always been precarious, but this moment marked his lowest point.

With school fees already difficult to manage, the accident made it seem impossible for Imurana to continue his education. The burden fell solely on his mother, a trader, who struggled to provide the basic necessities, and the financial instability sometimes resulted in unpaid school fees, causing him to be sent home.

Just when his dreams seemed out of reach, a glimmer of hope arrived. At age 11, Imurana became a sponsored child through Children Believe. “The day I found out I had a sponsor, I knew there were good people around to support me financially, to give me a stepping stone to become what I wanted to become,” he says.

Through the sponsorship, Imurana received financial aid for school fees, uniforms, textbooks, and other essential resources. This assistance gave him the stability he needed to continue his education during difficult times. “It gave me hope for the future,“ he recalls, as the support allowed him to focus on his studies and dream about what the future could be.

Imurana excelled in his studies, consistently ranking at the top of his class. His passion for English and social studies grew, driven by his desire to communicate effectively and follow in the footsteps of teachers he admired. After graduating from high school, he chose to pursue teacher training college, a decision that would ultimately shape his career and ability to give back to his community.

Today, Imurana is a teacher, dedicated to inspiring the next generation. “Being a teacher is like being a parent,” he explains, describing the care and attention he gives to his students. He often shares his own story with them, encouraging them to stay determined and focused on their dreams, no matter how challenging their circumstances may be.

Having experienced the life-changing impact of sponsorship firsthand, Imurana is now committed to helping others. As a teacher, he goes beyond the classroom, sometimes using his own resources to provide uniforms, textbooks, and even financial aid to children in need. “I was once under sponsorship, and that gave me the motivation to bring change in another person’s life,” he says.

His journey—from a child uncertain of his future to a respected teacher and role model—shows how education empowers individuals to achieve their potential. It also highlights the ripple effect of sponsorship, as those who are supported often go on to support others, creating lasting change in their communities.

A Message of Gratitude

When asked what he would say to his sponsors, Imurana’s response is filled with warmth: “I would give them a big hug and say thank you very much for being an important step in my life. Thank you for contributing to who I am today.”

As we honour teachers like Imurana this Teacher’s Week, his story is a reminder of the profound difference teachers can make—and how access to education transforms lives. Imurana’s journey from a child facing overwhelming hardship to a respected teacher shows that education doesn’t just open doors; it opens a lifetime of choices. Whether becoming a teacher, a nurse, an engineer, or pursuing any dream, the opportunity to learn empowers children to shape their own futures, creating ripples of positive change in their communities and beyond.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.