The Glazoya Foundation is a beacon of hope in the Nyoli community of Wa West district in the Upper West Region, offering much-needed medical care and support to over a thousand people from about one hundred communities every year.
The foundation has faced challenges along the way, but says it remains steadfast in its mission to be the voice of the voiceless under the direction of its Chief Executive Officer, Zoyari Gladys.
As she recounted her experience, Madam Gladys communicated an emotional story about the unfortunate fate of 13-year-old Portia – a pregnant girl who was abandoned and neglected. This motivated Madam Gladys to establish the foundation.
“I was inspired to start this NGO after I worked at Progress Maternity Home, where I met a 13-yr old pregnant girl. She was automatically given out for marriage; and due to that, she was being maltreated by her mother in-law who blamed her and accused her of framing her son. Portia was almost due for delivery and still hadn’t started her antenatal care until the day she came there.”
Motivated by a desire to speak for the voiceless, Madam Gladys founded the Glazoya Foundation, which subsequently spread throughout the Wa West district after starting operations in Jirapa. Notwithstanding the challenges that she faces, such as financial limitations and false beliefs about the foundation’s capacity, Madam Gladys is unwavering in her commitment to uplifting society’s weak and destitute.
Reflecting on the foundation’s achievements, Madam Gladys highlighted the impactful interventions – including payment of hospital bills, provision of baby food and support for surgeries. However, she acknowledged the persistent challenges, such as the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies leading to school dropouts and limited funding sources.
She emphasised the value of education and public awareness in addressing adolescent pregnancies and STDs, urging the communities and other well-meaning organisations and individuals to work together on establishing an atmosphere that encourages open discussions among young girls.
The recent medical outreach organised by Glazoya Foundation at Nyoli witnessed the convergence of over 1,000 participants – predominantly elder men and women, who benefitted from free medical screenings and medication.
The event, funded solely by the foundation, underscores the foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities.
As Glazoya Foundation continues to expand its reach, Madam Gladys envisions a future wherein all 11 districts of the Upper West and beyond benefit from its initiatives. Despite the challenges ahead, her unwavering determination and passion for serving the needy provides much-needed hope for the marginalised.
