By Sarah Naa Odorkor Odoi, Founder of The Benevolent Impact Foundation

“My journey into community impact began at a very tender age within my own community, especially at my grandmother’s house. Even as a child, I had a deep fascination with teaching and helping younger children learn.

I can clearly remember that whenever school vacated, I would pack my Primary 3 or Primary 4 books and take them along to my grandmother’s place. There, I would gather younger children, some in Primary 1 and lower classes, and teach them what I had learnt in school. At that age, we used chalkboards for teaching, and my grandmother was incredibly supportive. There was a board at home, and she would give me money to buy chalk so I could continue teaching the children. She constantly called me ‘teacher,’ and although I was young, those moments planted something meaningful in me.

Looking back now, I realise those experiences shaped my love for working with children and creating spaces where young people could learn, grow, and feel encouraged.

Years later, around the age of 17 while I was in senior high school, I found myself teaching again, this time in the children’s ministry at Holy Apostolic Reformed Church. Spending time with children, teaching them the word of God, encouraging them, and simply being present in their lives became deeply personal to me. Many of the children I worked with became like younger siblings, and I always found joy in making them feel loved and remembered.

At the time, social impact work or community advocacy was not something I intentionally planned to pursue. However, as I grew older, I became more aware of the challenges many children and young girls faced within my community. I noticed that some lacked confidence, educational support, and opportunities to express themselves, while many young girls silently struggled with menstrual hygiene challenges and limited access to essentials.

Instead of ignoring these realities, I felt compelled to take action, even if I had to begin small.

Through The Benevolent Impact Foundation, we have organised several community-centred projects and outreach activities focused on supporting children and young girls. One of our outreach programmes was held at an orphanage home, where we shared hygiene kits with the children and created a safe and educational environment for learning.

As part of the outreach, a registered nurse joined us to educate the children on personal hygiene, healthy practices, and self-care. Beyond distributing items, we wanted the children to leave feeling informed, supported, and valued. Experiences like this continue to remind me that true impact goes beyond giving resources — it also involves education, compassion, and human connection.

In addition to our outreach activities, we also organise literacy and educational initiatives such as reading challenges, book challenges, and writers’ challenges for children and young people. These programmes are designed to encourage reading, creativity, self-expression, and confidence among participants. Through storytelling, writing, and learning activities, we hope to inspire children to believe in their abilities and discover their potential.

One thing this journey has taught me is that impact does not always begin with abundance or having everything figured out. Sometimes it simply begins with compassion, consistency, and the willingness to care deeply about people.

Although the journey has come with challenges and limitations, every child encouraged, every girl supported, and every life touched reminds me why this work matters so much to me. I hope to continue creating safe and empowering spaces where children and young people feel seen, valued, supported, and inspired to become the best version of themselves.”