A Tough Start is No Barrier for This Woman
What are the words we use when someone refuses to give up, even when everything seems impossible?
Perhaps stubborn. Maybe tenacious. But now, there are 3 words you could well use: Sarah Annable-Gardner.
When Plans Fall Apart: Sarah's Story
Back in 2012, Sarah landed in Lawra, a remote part of Ghana, ready to help improve education in 90 rural schools.
But reality hit hard. No budget, countless roadblocks, and a growing feeling that she was in way over her head. But instead of packing her bags, she did something simple yet powerful – she listened.
What she heard broke her heart. Kids weren't showing up to school because they were too hungry to focus. Women with HIV were selling off their belongings just to buy medicine. Moms with disabled children kept them hidden away because of the stigma.
These weren't just statistics. They were real people facing real problems right in front of her.
From Small Steps to Big Change: ATE Was Born
Sarah reached out to friends and family back home with a modest goal: get some food to one school and help a few struggling families.
What happened next? Something incredible.
Support started pouring in from her hometown in England and beyond. That small spark caught fire and became Action Through Enterprise (ATE) in Ghana – a tale that proves how one person's determination can snowball into something amazing.Today, ATE employs over 30 local Ghanaians and helps thousands of people through three main programs:
EducATE: Learning That Works
Through their school feeding program, ATE provides daily hot, nutritious meals to over 2,000 children in seven schools. They don't just hand out books and hope for the best. They tackle the real problems – like empty stomachs that make it impossible to learn. By providing daily meals, school supplies, and even sanitary products, they've gotten way more kids in classrooms and learning.
"I used to be too hungry to think in class," one student shared. "Now I can focus on my studies and dream about my future."
BusinessATE: Opportunities That Change Everything
For women and people with disabilities in Lawra, making a living once seemed like an impossible dream. ATE's Small Business Development program gives them training, resources, and ongoing support to start their own businesses.
Take Comfort, for example – a single mom who now runs her own small business.
"Before ATE, I struggled to feed my kids," she says. "Now I can take care of my family and even help others."
IncludATE: Support That Breaks Down Barriers
Maybe the biggest game-changer is how ATE brings together families with disabled children through their Special Needs Awareness Programme (SNAP). By creating support groups and fighting stigma, they're helping these families step out of the shadows.
Parents who once hid their kids at home are now proud advocates. Children who were invisible are becoming valued members of their communities.
The work we do couldn’t be more important.
As a former primary school teacher, my great passion is enabling young people to access education and creating opportunities for brighter futures. I am beyond proud of my team and the impact we have, enabling the people of Lawra to fulfil their potential. - Sarah
Sarah's Journey in Print: "To Lawra With Love"
Sarah's remarkable journey from frustrated volunteer to changemaker is now captured in her inspiring book, "To Lawra With Love." This heartfelt memoir takes readers along her emotional rollercoaster – from initial setbacks to breakthrough moments that changed everything.
The book offers an intimate look at how ATE came to be, sharing personal stories of the people whose lives have been transformed and the challenges overcome along the way. It's not just Sarah's story, but a testament to what happens when compassion meets action.
"To Lawra With Love" has already inspired readers worldwide to consider how they might turn their own frustrations into positive change. For anyone interested in social entrepreneurship, community development, or simply in need of an uplifting true story, this book delivers powerful insights wrapped in engaging storytelling.
Making a Bigger Impact: ATE Teams Up with B1G1
Here's where things get even more exciting. ATE has joined forces with B1G1, making it super easy for businesses anywhere to help out.
Through B1G1, your business can support:
- School meals that help kids learn better
- Jobs for local cooks who prepare those meals
- Support for kids with special needs
- Essential supplies that get more kids in classrooms
Even small contributions make a huge difference – that's the beauty of it.
One Decision That Changed Everything
Sarah's story shows what can happen when you refuse to give up when things get tough. What started as a moment of doubt has grown into something that's changing thousands of lives.
As ATE grows with help from B1G1, businesses everywhere can jump in and be part of this amazing story. Every bit of support helps create opportunities for people who really need them.
Find out how you can support ATE through B1G1 today and help write the next chapter of this incredible story.