Most 15-year-olds spend their allowance on video games, snacks, and the latest sneakers. Max Owobu spent his on something else: an entire school year for a boy named Matthew in Ghana. That single choice grew into the Yenko Foundation, a 501(c)3 the Bronx native founded at just 15 years old after spending time in Ghana and seeing kids his own age working on the streets instead of sitting in classrooms.
The foundation sponsors K-5 education through the Calvary Methodist school, covering tuition, meals, uniforms, transportation, and supplies. One full year for one child costs $1,000, and the Yenko Foundation has already sponsored 10 children. Owobu, now an 18-year-old high school senior, has a bigger goal in mind: sponsoring 10 to 15 children through primary school before expanding the foundation’s reach to hospitals and orphanages in Ghana.
What sticks with him most is what he saw in the students who did get to attend. He describes them as joyous, enthusiastic, and genuinely happy to be at school. So now we want to hear from you: if you could launch a nonprofit tomorrow, what cause would you take on? Drop it in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.