Nancy Anin grew up in the Asante Region with dreams like any other young person. However, being deaf meant she faced barriers that limited her access to education and work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an unplanned pregnancy forced her to drop out of school, and as a young single mother, she struggled to provide for her children.
With limited income opportunities and little support for persons with disabilities, Nancy’s future felt uncertain. That changed when she joined the Rice Value Chain under the HAPPY Program via Agro Kings Limited.
The HAPPY Program, an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Agri-Impact Limited, is an inclusive program targeting the rice, tomato, soya, and poultry value chains, and creating opportunities for youth aged 18–35, with a strong focus on women and persons with disabilities.
Through the program, Nancy received hands-on training and was engaged as a Field Monitoring Officer, gaining practical agricultural skills and a steady income.
For the first time, Nancy was able to meet her basic needs, open a bank account, and save toward her children’s future. The increased financial stability allowed her to enroll her children in school, while access to safe accommodation and regular meals reduced daily pressures.
Beyond economic gains, Nancy found belonging and confidence through a peer network of women and persons with disabilities, communicating through sign language and supporting one another.
Today, Nancy is providing for her family, supporting her extended relatives, and planning for the future. Her story demonstrates how inclusive, dignified work can unlock potential and transform lives for young people with disabilities.
