Mercy Korkor’s Story - Smile4mation

After the man she loved fell ill, Mercy Korkor Teteh was accused of causing his illness through witchcraft. He was taken away from her, and she was not informed before he passed away. Soon after, she lost everything she owned and was left to care for their three children on her own. For 12 years, Mercy did every job she could find to survive. She carried heavy loads until it damaged her health and required surgery. Even after doctors warned her never to lift heavy objects again, she returned to carrying fish because her children still needed food, school fees, and a future. For nearly five years, Mercy and her children had no home. She pleaded with strangers to let them sleep on the corridor of their houses, laying down a woven mat each night after everyone had gone to bed and waking before dawn so they wouldn’t be in anyone’s way. When Mercy’s story was submitted through Smile4mation.org, we knew we had to act. Smile4mation provided her family with a place to call home, renovated the space, supported her with capital to start a business that wouldn’t put her health at risk, and paid school fees for her daughters because we believe education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.