Similar to other regions on the continent, West African culture is rich with traditions and customs and millions of beautiful hard working people.

These people survive and thrive under conditions under a scorching hot sun like no other I’ve ever seen. There are many countries on the western side of Africa.

They include Togo, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Ghana, Niger, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Benin, Liberia, Mali, and Gambia.

The cultural diversity makes it unique. West Africa is a combination of numerous ethnic groups that have diverse cultural practices.

West African history is also unique, with the settlement of the first people hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Hello,

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I’m Tommifaye Fulton founder and president of Living Wells of Love Foundation USA, and Living Wells of Love Foundation International West Africa.

In November, 2022 after much preparation I arrived in West Africa. I spent 3 months in Benin City visiting various areas and getting to experience life in Africa.

On one place we visited was a village. Coming from America there were places and things I wanted to see and experience for myself.

We hear so much negatively about Africa, many are afraid to travel. So, let me say now, it’s not true.

Like anywhere else in the world even America you must know your surroundings. What we were told about Africa was a lie.

I encourage anyone wanting to travel to Africa, get to know someone there over time and plan a trip.

You’ll be amazed at its beauty and the culture of the African people.

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We visited a village called Ogbekele. For me, it felt as though I was stepping back in time at the beginning of creation.

I imagined that this was somewhat how the garden of Eden would look in the beginning.

Yes, people lived in well constructed mud houses there.

However, it was beautiful, lined with gorgeous palm trees, clear rivers flowing, children laughing and swimming.

The children never seen an American before as they were smiling, and giggling during my talk with them.

Yes, like many countries there were areas of Africa undeveloped and some more modernized.

We met the elders and other community leaders and members.

 

They showed us around and how they lived from day-to-day. Food from the ground was everywhere.

Many different plants, bamboo trees, cassava, coco yams, potatoes, palm wine from palm trees was so delicious.

I had never seen cherries so large and beautiful. I've never seen a cashew tree either. The fruits from a cashew tree was spectacular. I

t was quiet, serene, just beautiful.. There were many children poking their heads from their doors peering out to see who were these strangers coming.

There was no place of learning for these children. I thought about establishing a school for the children of Ogbekele through our non-profit.

We was excited at the possibilities. Through friends we arranged a meeting to sit with the elders and discuss how we could go about

building a learning center within the community.

 

They were very happy at the prospect of the children having a place of learning. You see, this village is located far and deep into the forest.

The children cannot walk to school and no transportation is available. In addition, parents wouldn’t have income to pay for school fees.

Many of the older children we were told, was sent away from their parents and community just to get an education. Where they went is anyone’s guess.

It would be years before the children of Ogbekele would ever see their parents again. Some never returning back home.

This weighed on our hearts as we understood the trauma and gravity of children becoming separated from loved ones.

We understood the long-term emotional and mental damage caused by parental separation.

After several visits, on January 21st 2023 land was donated and dedicated to "Living Wells of Love Foundation" to build a creativity and learning center.

We were ecstatic, elated, and over the moon with joy. We had a land dedication and prayer ceremony as we thanked God for the opportunity to serve.

During that time, we coordinated and established a 10 member team called the "Living Wells Of Love Foundation International"

We look forward to the day when construction is completed, desk, chairs, school supplies, teachers, curriculum are developed.

We look forward to smiling faces and sharing the first day of school. These children ranging from age 5 to 12 year old. I

t will be a joyous time seeing them walking to school for their first time. That is why your contributions are vitally important.

We need help in building a place to educate the children of Ogbekele community.

 

Like my mom said when we were young, "People can’t hear you when they are hungry, so feed them".

Children can’t be productive citizens without education, so teach them.

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This is one of the visions and missions of the Living Wells of Love Foundation.

We are those Wells of Love bringing hope and a promise to the community of Ogbekele.

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WON"T YOU JOIN US?

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                                                                                                            Living Wells of Love Learning & Creativity Academy