• GAMAID
• July 15, 2025

I’m Mercy John, a 22-year-old from Uyo, and before GAMAID Foundation stepped in, I lived with a constant knot of anxiety in my stomach. With no close relatives nearby and my family home several hours away in Lagos, I spent too many nights scrambling for a safe place to stay and wondering where my next meal would come from. Holiday breaks forced me to choose between the high cost of travel or remaining in Uyo, where shelter and food were never guaranteed. By late 2021, the weight of unstable accommodation and irregular meals had become so heavy that every exam period and project deadline felt like an insurmountable hurdle.

Then, in early 2022, everything changed when GAMAID offered me a place in their Bethlehem Kitchen outreach home. I finally had a clean, peaceful room of my own—and every day I joined a communal table where meals were served with kindness. Beyond nourishment, the Kitchen became my classroom: I learned to plan menus, chop vegetables, and cook simple dishes. I came to appreciate the dignity of honest work and discovered a new confidence in myself.

At the same time, GAMAID’s job-support program paired me with mentors who taught me vital vocational skills—from basic bookkeeping to customer service. Over the past three years, through holiday breaks, exam seasons, and unexpected setbacks, I’ve received reliable housing, seasonal meals, and hands-on training valued at roughly ₦1 million. Because of their support, I secured full-time employment, became self-sufficient, and deepened my walk with God among fellow believers who cheer me on. I can hardly express how profoundly grateful I am to GAMAID’s volunteers and sponsors: their generosity transformed my life, gave me a true sense of belonging, and continues to inspire me every single day.