TAKE OUR DAUGHTER TO WORK DAY - Girls meet a reporter from TV Africa

“God helps those who help themselves,” read the sticker on the tro to Sunyani. Alex and I took four girls to meet with Esther, a young journalist corresponding for TV Africa in the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana. Take Our Daughter to Work Day, was just about that, how to help oneself. We wanted to encourage these girls to stay in school and work hard to see their dreams come true, just like Esters.

We were expecting to pile into a news van when we arrived. Instead Easter lead us inside a church. “I have no office. This is my office,” she held up her laptop. She raised another object in the air “I shoot with this camera. I come and edit on my computer. The videos get sent to Accra and aired on TV."

Esther was energetic, outgoing, empathetic, and very talkative. She asked the girls what they wanted to be. One by one the SHS and JHS girls stood up. Nurse, reporter, teacher nurse, were their dream jobs. “Why?” asked Ester. The girls became shy. So Ester began her story, from being a young girl to where she is today, a 27 year old female reporter who also leads several girls groups in her church’s district. Although Ester spoke in Twi, I was able hear her main points as I saw the girls smiling and listening with such intent.

“Look at yourself. What do you want? I chose to be a journalist because I want to see people,” she said. Challenges were never viewed as a problem for Esther, as her journey to her dreams felt like a calling. “Failures are not the end of the road in life, but constructive criticism god is giving you, pushing you to do better,” she explained. I remembered the sticker; help yourself, ask questions, and seek guidance from peers, teachers, elders, and even your faith was her take home message.

We watched news stories Ester had made about cashew farmers, education, and government while sitting in a circle. The girls were still feeling shy during our discussion. However an impact was made, they were impressed. Sophia had identified with Ester, “my favorite part was when she was feeling sad she prayed.” And before we left Comfort exchanged contacts to seek advice about becoming a reporter!

Making connections, encouragement, opportunities, and action all in the effort to help ourselves and each other. Take Our Daughter to Work Day was a success.