Parenting Through Adversity: Michael’s Story & His Mother’s Journey from Hardship to Hope in Ghana.
"My mother is the strongest person I've ever known."
"My mom is the strongest person I've ever known. Watching her raise us on her own, working multiple jobs just to make ends meet... It was tough, but she never gave up."
Meet 23-year-old Michael (Kofi) Ackon, a young man whose early life in Accra, Ghana, was a testament to his mother's unwavering love amidst significant hardship. Growing up with his mother, younger sister, and grandmother, Michael experienced firsthand the daily struggles of a single-parent household, from financial insecurity to the constant search for a stable home. Yet, it was precisely these challenges, coupled with his mother's incredible resilience, that forged his spirit. His inspiring journey serves as a powerful close to Parenting Month, highlighting how the toughest beginnings can lead to the brightest light at the end of the tunnel.
My mother is the strongest person I have ever known. Watching her raise us on her own, working multiple jobs just to make ends meet... it was incredibly tough, but she never gave up. She would always tell us, 'We may not have much, but we have each other, and that's all that matters.' Her resilience and determination inspired me to work hard, stay focused, and chase my dreams, even when the odds seemed stacked against us.
Growing up in Accra, my family consisted of just my mother, my younger sister, and our grandma. We moved around a lot, often struggling to keep a roof over our heads due to financial difficulties. I remember days we went to bed hungry, and a balanced diet was a luxury we couldn't afford. My mother worked tirelessly, but her busy schedule meant she sometimes missed out on precious moments with us.
School fees were a constant worry, and the financial struggles often led to humiliating moments in class when we couldn't afford basic supplies. It was hard, and I often longed for a consistent guiding figure to inspire me academically and professionally.
Despite these immense challenges, my mother’s love and determination were relentless. She would sacrifice anything she owned to ensure my sister and I had what we needed and could enroll in school. She motivated me constantly, helping me see the bigger picture of hope for a better future.
I clearly remember when I was about six, she installed "Mavis Beacon" a software program designed to teach users how to type efficiently, on her work computer for me to learn typing and basic IT – she truly strived to create an enabling environment for me to grow, even when resources were scarce
Seeing what became of some peers who dropped out of school due to social pressures also fueled my endurance.
The financial hurdles for education were overwhelming for my mother, but I was fortunate to become a beneficiary of the Compassion International program.
They supported me through my teenage years and even partially into university with scholarships and supplies. In high school, when affording basic school supplies was a particular challenge, my mother still found ways. Her selflessness and encouragement motivated me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity.
I stayed focused, sought help from teachers and peers, and leveraged community resources to overcome those difficult periods.
My passion for development work emerged from a deep decision to give back to society. I want to help prevent as many underprivileged situations as possible, like the one my family and I faced. I am passionate about communications and advocacy because I believe amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups is crucial for lasting impact. I am also deeply interested in social protection, policy formulation, and implementation, as I see them as powerful tools to address systemic inequalities.
My personal experiences have given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and I am excited to contribute to creating a future for every child here in Ghana and beyond. I am currently a Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellow with UNFPA.
This Fellowship has taught me the importance of youth engagement in policy-making and program implementation, further solidifying my commitment to empowering young people. Part of the Fellowship is completing an internship exchange with UNICEF Ghana. I am currently interning with the Advocacy and Communication team.
This internship has solidified my desire to pursue a career in the development world, UNICEF’s mandate especially in social and child protection, aligns with my desire to create positive change. I hope to contribute to creating a world where children and families have the opportunities they deserve, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As UNICEF concludes parenting month, which is marked every June to highlight and advocate for the role parents and caregivers play in a child's development and well-being. I am reflecting on what parenting means to me.
To me, positive parenting is about showing up with love, patience, and understanding, even when things get tough. My mother didn't have it easy, but she always made sure I felt seen, heard, and valued. She taught me that it's okay to make mistakes and that love isn't about having all the answers and luxuries, but about being present.
For other single parents out there, I would say: don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing your best, and that's something to be proud of. Focus on building a strong, loving relationship with your child; you are shaping their life in ways you might not even realize. Keep going, even when it's hard – you're truly making a difference.
Looking ahead, my biggest aspiration is to leverage my skills and experience to drive meaningful change in the development world. I want to help create opportunities for children and families who are struggling to make ends meet, just as my mother and I once did. I hope to help them break the cycle of poverty and build better futures for themselves and their communities.
My mom's resilience and determination in the face of adversity have been a constant source of inspiration. As I move forward, I plan to carry the lessons she taught me about empathy, perseverance, and community-driven solutions.
Every step I take demonstrates her enduring love and sacrifice, and I hope I make her proud every single day.”
Editor's note - this story is from a conversation between Fatma Naib - Chief of Advocacy and Communication UNICEF Ghana and Michael Ackon.
