Victoria, a first year Norviwo Resident, reflects on a memorable day making scented candles—an experience she never imagined she would have.
On July 27, 2026, what started out as a normal morning soon became one of the most memorable days I have experienced at Future of Africa.
After breakfast, Sir Andy asked me to help arrange the classroom for an activity. At first I thought we would be having a class in numeracy, but the way he asked me to arrange the classroom was different. I helped arrange the classroom and then sat quietly, wondering what would happen.
About 20 minutes later, Madam Michelle came into the classroom with a group of visitors, about 18 girls. They introduced themselves as Girls for Change. An organization in the United States of America who have come to Ghana to explore the African tradition.
Madam Michelle then informed us that today was going to be a fun day making candles with a company called Bubune Africa. When they told me that they had come to teach us how to make candles, I became happy. I like to play with candles, but I had never even thought about how they were made.
The Madams from Bubune then showed us the different materials needed to make a candle. I learned that wax, a wick, and fragrance are the main materials needed. I watched carefully and learned how it was being done. Then our guests, the residents and my friends took turns to make scented candles. I was excited to put what I had learned into practice. I carefully followed the instructions and worked with Princess to make our own candle. I enjoyed being involved in the process because I was not just watching someone make a candle. I was making one myself.
After I finished, I left my candle to set. After 20 minutes I came back later and saw the finished candle, I felt very happy and proud of myself. It felt good to look at something I had made with my own hands. I had learned a new skill, and I felt that I could do something I had never done before.
Another special part of the day was meeting Kennedy from Girls for Change. We became friends during the activity and enjoyed spending time together. She told me that she would visit me whenever she is in the country. I hope she keeps her promise because I would really like to see him again.
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Meeting Kennedy and making candles with her and Princess was the best
I really enjoyed having new people come to the Norviwo Centre. I liked listening to them, learning from them, and having the opportunity to try something different. I would be very happy if FOA organised more activities like this because I enjoy meeting new people and discovering new things.
The candle-making activity taught me more than just how to make a candle. It showed me that learning can be fun. It also helped me feel more confident because I was able to follow the instructions and create something.
Also that day, our guests and some of the Norviwo residents participated in traditional drumming and dancing. It was also fun, and Kennedy and I learnt to play a new beat and danced together. I hope FOA will organise more activities like this in the future. I would love to learn more skills, make new friends, and have more experiences that I can remember for a long time.
Story by Victoria Ayikpe, Norviwo Resident
transcribed by Hannah Otopah-Darko
26th August 2026