From Hunger to Hope: How the Derrick Wood Foundation is Transforming Lives in Ghana

Imagine walking into a room filled with children’s smiles, but behind those smiles lies a silent question: Will I eat today? Will I ever have the chance to chase my dreams?

On January 1, 2025, while much of the world celebrated the start of a new year with resolutions and fresh opportunities, the Derrick Wood Foundation stepped into the heart of Jamestown, Accra, to answer those silent questions. Returning to the Gbekebii School, we found ourselves once again surrounded by over 75 beautiful children—each face holding a story of resilience, hope, and untapped potential.

A Day That Changed More Than Just Lives

This transformative day was made possible by a powerful collaboration with several key partners. Lovers Quest, our cultural ambassador and logistical partner in Ghana, played an essential role in coordinating every detail to ensure the visit was seamless. The Period Project, Husser Financial Solutions LLC, and Wanna Go Fit also joined as financial and resource supporters, helping to make this mission a success. Together, these organizations, alongside our incredible team of volunteers, turned a vision of service into a reality.

We started the day with arts and crafts, guiding the children as they used creativity to paint their dreams onto paper. These were not just ordinary moments; they were profound glimpses into the incredible potential that lies within these young minds. The room was filled with laughter, concentration, and bursts of excitement as the children worked.

Monique Wood, a high school teacher and volunteer, created an educational board for the children to work on during the visit. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “I wish our foundation could have done more.” Her words echo the emotions of everyone involved—grateful for the impact made, but acutely aware of how much more is needed.

We then gathered to share affirmations with the children, reminding each one that they are loved, that they matter, and that they are the solution to a problem in this world. Longtime supporter Tammi described the emotional impact of this moment, saying, “I’ve never felt such a profound sense of connection and purpose. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and knowing we’ve made even a small difference is a memory I’ll carry forever.”

But as the day went on, reality hit hard. These children—so full of joy and energy in the moment—live with the daily uncertainty of whether they’ll have a meal to eat. Most of them are orphans, and many don’t know what it’s like to have the consistent love and guidance of a parent.

As we served them food at the end of the day, it was humbling to know that for some, this might be the only meal they’d have in days. It forced us to reflect: What if this was my child? What if this was my reality? What would I want someone to do for me?

A Mission for Sustainability

This experience left us with a renewed commitment to go beyond just giving. We’re not here to provide a one-day solution. Our goal is to ensure these children—and their community—are equipped to thrive independently.

As we plan our next trip, scheduled for March 30 to April 6, 2026, our focus will shift toward creating sustainable solutions. We aim to explore whether the school has the capacity to grow their own food, raise animals like goats and chickens, and even teach entrepreneurial skills to help the children and community generate income and build self-sufficiency.

The vision is simple: to teach them to fish so they can feed themselves and others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment that transforms lives for generations.

The Emotional Reality

It’s impossible to leave a place like Gbekebii School unchanged. The conditions are humbling. The heat is stifling, with small ceiling fans doing little to provide relief. Desks and chairs are scarce, and classrooms are poorly ventilated. Yet, the children show up eager to learn, to grow, and to dream.

Their resilience reminds us of what’s possible with the right support. These children don’t need pity—they need opportunities. They don’t need handouts—they need tools to build their own futures.

Derrick Wood captured the heart of the foundation’s mission when he said, “We’re not just teaching them to fish; we’re equipping them to teach others, so our impact grows exponentially.”

Volunteer Stephanie shared a similar reflection: “As we prepared to leave, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much potential these kids have. With just a little more support, we could help turn their dreams into reality and give them a chance to build the future they deserve.”

How You Can Help

As you read this, imagine what it would feel like if this were your reality or your child’s reality. Imagine waking up every day wondering if there would be food on the table or a safe space to learn. Imagine the impact someone could make in your life by simply saying, I see you, and I want to help.

This is where you come in. Your support can ensure that these children don’t just survive—they thrive. Whether it’s through a donation, volunteering, or joining us on our next global adventure, you have the power to make a lasting difference.

Visit DerrickrWood.com and click on the Foundation link to learn how you can contribute. Or reach out to us directly to discover how you can support this mission. Together, we can create a world where these children not only have the tools to succeed but the confidence to change their communities and inspire others.

Because when you empower a child, you empower a generation.