voices of survivors

Over the last 15 years, Dream On has supported children through all stages of life. It has been wonderful watching children heal from their trauma and blossom into adults with individual aspirations. Though we refrain from sharing details about the background stories of children, due to privacy and security reasons, some women and men choose to share their stories when they become adults.

The following Dream On family members have come forward to share their journeys to express how vital Dream On supporters have been to their transformation and success. All Dream On family members extend their gratitude to donors who helped them rise above adversity and realize their dreams.

Kofi

Orphaned by the age of four, Kofi learned the tragic cause of his mother’s death many years after her passing. He was then abused by his stepfather who eventually sold Kofi to a trafficking ring that involved an American couple and several government officials. While in captivity, Kofi discovered that many other children shared the same miserable fate of being trafficked.

Esther

By the time she was 13 years old, Esther had lost both of her parents. Esther and her two siblings tried to manage the best they could on their own. Several men offered to assist Esther with school fees, but they wanted something in return that she would not give them. Esther found solace in writing poetry, which ultimately was her path to success.

Kojo

At the age of four, Kojo was taken from his mother, abused by family members, and sold into slavery on Lake Volta. He was rescued but then sent to an orphanage where he suffered physical abuse and was used as a laborer. Kojo’s incredible reunion with his mother at the age of 20 found him standing at the water’s edge once again, this time with joy.

Kwame

From the age of four years, Kwame was used as a laborer — first to help his grandparents, then as a means for survival when living with his mother, and finally by an abusive school director. Surviving and staying in school was a daily battle for Kwame, and many times his goal of graduating from high school and attending college seemed a distant dream.

Ephraim

When he was 12 years-old, Ephraim and his five siblings were abandoned by their parents. One of his siblings was a victim of human trafficking, while Ephraim and his other brothers and sisters were moved around to impoverished family members in the village who were unable to care for them. Read more to know where Ephraim and his siblings are today.

Linda

Linda was a high school student when she faced an unimaginable loss. Both of her parents and twin baby sisters were poisoned and perished on the same day. Linda suffered overwhelming grief and struggled to survive day-to-day. She dropped out of school to care for her only remaining brother. Determined to provide a good life for her brother, and later her children, Linda persevered and became a business owner.