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Thursday, January 2, 2025

20-year-old turns to roasted plantain business after financial barriers block Medical School dreams

When 20-year-old Fauzia Ali graduated from Serwaa Kesse Girls Senior High School in the Ahafo Region, her sights were set on becoming a medical doctor.

Driven by her passion for saving lives and helping the vulnerable, especially given her humble background, Fauzia’s dream felt within reach.

She excelled in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), earning a distinction in Integrated Science, which secured her admission into the six-year MBChB (Medicine) Undergraduate Programme at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.

However, her excitement was soon overshadowed by financial struggles. Fauzia’s widowed mother, Zainab Ali, who sustains the family through a modest roasted plantain business, is unable to raise the GH¢10,000 needed for her daughter’s admission and initial expenses.

With her income barely covering the family’s basic needs, Zainab is faced with the harsh reality of being unable to support Fauzia’s dream of becoming a doctor.

Now, instead of preparing for medical school, Fauzia spends her days helping her mother sell roasted plantains in New Zongo, a lively community in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

Though disheartened, she remains hopeful, praying for a lifeline that could change her future.

“There is no money for me to pursue the medicine program I was admitted to at UDS,” Fauzia said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I am pleading with anyone who can help me achieve my goal.”

Despite the setback, Fauzia’s determination to serve her community as a doctor remains strong. “I have always wanted to help people, especially the vulnerable. Becoming a doctor would allow me to make a real difference in my community and Ghana as a whole,” she added.

Zainab’s Plea for Support

Zainab, who works tirelessly at her roasted plantain stand, is doing all she can to provide for her children, but the burden of her daughter’s future weighs heavily on her. “I am begging anyone who feels touched to help my daughter. I believe she can become a great person and help this nation one day,” Zainab shared, her voice filled with hope.

For now, both Fauzia and her mother cling to their dreams, praying for a miracle that will allow her to pursue her medical aspirations and make a lasting impact on her community.

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