How GAP International Transformed the Life of a 16-Year-Old Orphan

On the 3rd of January 2023, Dr. George Amakor, Director of GAP International, embarked on a journey to his hometown in Imo State, Nigeria, a trip that would ultimately change the life of a remarkable young boy named Wisdom. During the visit, Dr. George reconnected with an old friend, who he couldn’t help but admire his fresh, clean haircut. Intrigued, he asked asked where he had gotten the cut, and the answer came as a surprise. The barber was a 16-year-old orphan named Wisdom, who, despite having no formal training, had mastered the art of cutting hair through pure determination and a desire to carve out a living for himself.

Curious and moved by the story, Dr. George made it a priority to meet with Wisdom. What followed was more than just a haircut—it was the beginning of a relationship that would change Wisdom’s life. Dr. George was impressed not only by the young man’s skills but also by his resilience, resourcefulness, and the quiet dignity with which he carried himself despite the hardships he had endured. This was a young man who, despite his circumstances, had refused to give up on his potential.

Inspired by his encounter with Wisdom, Dr. George shared the boy’s story with his team at GAP International and with members of his community. He set out to raise funds, believing that with a little help, this young orphan could turn his talent into a thriving business. The response was overwhelming. Through the generosity of GAP International, family, and friends, close to 300,000 Naira was raised—enough to transform Wisdom’s modest setup into a fully renovated barbershop, complete with professional clippers, brushes, chairs, mirrors, and other essential tools. 

But the support didn’t end there. GAP International provided Wisdom with a brand-new generator, ensuring that his barbershop could function reliably, even during the frequent power outages that plague many parts of Nigeria. This critical addition gave Wisdom the stability and confidence to grow his business, knowing that he now had the resources to serve his community effectively.

(Watch the full video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBJEqGsMYwr/?igsh=MXBzMHJoZm1xdjlhNQ== )

For Wisdom, this was more than just a gift; it was the key to a new life. Despite being uneducated, he now has a sustainable means of livelihood, one that allows him not only to support himself but also to contribute positively to his community. His story is a testament to the power of opportunity and what can happen when we invest in young people who are often overlooked. 

At GAP International, we believe in the transformative potential of young men like Wisdom. One of our key objectives is to initiate employability-focused projects for young males, in various sectors. Through projects like Wisdom’s, we hope to create pathways for young men to acquire skills, gain employment, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

Wisdom’s journey is just the beginning, but it is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together to uplift those in need. It is also a call to action. There are countless young people like Wisdom—talented, hardworking, and full of potential—who need our support to thrive. 

We at GAP International are committed to continuing this mission, but we cannot do it alone. We invite you to join us in making a difference. Your contribution—whether financial, material, or through mentorship—can help provide opportunities for many more young people, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, empower the next generation, and build a future where every young person has the chance to realize their full potential.

Join Us Today:

– Donate to our youth empowerment programs by being on the look out for our future campaigns

– Volunteer your time or expertise to mentor young people like Wisdom

– Spread the word about GAP International’s mission and projects

Together, we can turn stories like Wisdom’s into a movement that transforms lives. Be a part of this change. 

Get involved today— Contact us directly to find out how you can help and be a part of our vision.