At The Shidaa Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. From our base in Canada to underserved communities in Ghana, our mission is rooted in equity, compassion, and action. Guided by founders whose roots span both nations, we work tirelessly to break down barriers to education and create lasting change. One story that beautifully reflects the heart of our mission is that of Emmanuel Kofi, a young boy from Axim, Ghana. The Heart of the Mission: Restoring Hope in Axim, Ghana Emmanuel Kofi is a bright and determined student with a strong desire to learn. However, due to a disability and the lack of a functional wheelchair, his daily journey to school became a major challenge. What should have been a simple routine—going to class—was instead a constant struggle, threatening his access to education. When the Shidaa Foundation learned about Emmanuel’s situation, we knew immediate action was needed. Wheels to School: Turning Compassion into Action Through our “Wheels to School” initiative, we reached out to our community for support—and the response was incredible. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we raised $2,155, exceeding our original $2,000 goal. This collective effort made it possible to provide Emmanuel with a brand-new wheelchair, restoring not only his mobility but also his independence and confidence. Seeing Emmanuel return to school, empowered and eager to learn, is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Bridging Continents: Our Impact in Ghana and Canada Emmanuel’s story represents just one aspect of the broader impact The Shidaa Foundation continues to make across Ghana and Canada. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of children in both developing and developed contexts, ensuring meaningful and sustainable impact. Strong Partnerships, Lasting Change Our work is strengthened by the generosity of trusted partners and donors who share our vision for educational equity. We are deeply grateful for the support of: Canadian Children’s Book Centre, which donated 6,000 children’s books BIC, for providing essential stationery supplies Donated refurbished laptops to support Shidaa Foundation’s volunteers and organizational operations. The Shidaa Foundation is a registered Canadian charity, verifiable through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), ensuring transparency and accountability in all our initiatives. How You Can Help Donate to support Operation Backpack Volunteer your time and skills Spread the Word by sharing our story with friends and family Together, we can continue to create opportunities, restore dignity, and build brighter futures for children everywhere. Watch Emmanuel’s Story in Action See Emmanuel Kofi’s journey and how The Shidaa Foundation provided him with a wheelchair to attend school without barriers: