Samaira De, a senior at Lincoln Community School in Accra, is redefining what it means to be a change maker. As co-founder of Project REY (REMAR Empowering Youth), what started as a small initiative in 2023 has blossomed into a powerful movement that is transforming the lives of marginalized boys in Ghana and Liberia. With an ambitious vision to expand to REMAR homes worldwide, Samaira is proving that one person can ignite a global spark for change.
Project REY was born from a pivotal meeting between Samaira, her sister, and Pastor Valentin, Director of REMAR Ghana, an organization dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and street children struggling with drug abuse. REMAR, originally founded by Juan Miguel Diez Alvarez in Spain, now operates in over 70 countries as a force for good. Samaira’s initial goal was clear: equip REMAR children with basic computer skills to steer them away from drug abuse and toward meaningful employment.
What began as a modest effort to bridge the digital divide has grown into a scalable program with far-reaching impact. By partnering with tech companies in Ghana, Samaira developed a real-world syllabus tailored to industry needs. These partnerships not only shaped the curriculum but also opened doors for employment, with selected trainees undergoing rigorous training before being placed in jobs.
Samira De on Project REY.
In just three years, Project REY has achieved remarkable milestones. 8 boys have secured jobs in Ghana and Liberia, 12 laptops have been donated to support the program, and students from other Ghanaian schools have joined as mentors, inspired by Samaira’s vision. When a shortage of laptops threatened to hinder progress, Samaira organized community laptop drives, rallying support from schools across Ghana to keep the program thriving.
The initiative’s success has extended beyond Ghana’s borders. Samaira travelled to REMAR Liberia to mentor children, laying the foundation for Project REY’s expansion. Now, she has set her sights on replicating the program in REMAR homes in West Africa, aiming to empower marginalized youth on a global scale.
Samaira’s work has created a scalable model that combines education, mentorship, and opportunity. By collaborating with tech companies, she ensures that her trainees are equipped with skills that meet market demands. The involvement of student mentors from other schools has fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, amplifying the program’s impact.
Pastor Valentin, Director of REMAR Ghana, praises Samaira’s contributions: “Thanks to Samaira’s initiative, I now have 8 boys working in Ghana and Liberia. My boys now have hope and dreams of doing something meaningful with their lives. I am thankful to Samaira for her support.”
Samaira’s story is a testament to the power of individual action. From a small project launched in 2023, Project REY has become an inspiration for students and communities across Ghana and beyond. Her vision to take the program to REMAR homes worldwide reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized youth.
As Samaira continues to expand her initiative, her journey reminds us that anyone can become a hero of change. One person’s determination can spark a movement, touching lives and shaping a brighter future for youth everywhere.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
