From Ghana's Streets to Medical School: Charles's Journey

Charles was a baby when his mother abandoned him and his two brothers. After their father died, the boys survived a year on the streets of Tema, Ghana—8-year-old Charles barely earning food, often missing school fees.

Turning Point: SOS Children's Village

An SOS social worker brought them to SOS Children's Village Asiakwa (60 miles from Accra). SOS mother Elizabeth gave them safety and a smile. "My childhood started when I came to the SOS Children's Village," Charles says. "She always pushed me into studying. Before then, I was last in class. After the first term, I was first!"

Education and Persistence

At SOS International College in Tema, Charles discovered biology—"the complexity of living things." He earned a 2005 medical school place in Accra. The five-year course was challenging (he repeated second year), but included a Germany exchange. After finals in late 2012, a two-year internship precedes his license.

Future Dreams

Charles envisions a family he can support. He credits Elizabeth—his SOS mother—for love, support, and educational push. "The greatest gift I got was my SOS mother. I am so grateful."

SOS Children & Tottenham Hotspur Foundation

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, with Spurs player Emmanuel Adebayor, recently used SOS's "Our Africa" educational resource (free website with films by African children) to teach UK pupils about African life. Adebayor shared his Togo upbringing, emphasizing education's power. Tottenham has supported SOS since 2006, sponsoring children worldwide.

Charles's story embodies the transformative power of care, education, and opportunity.