Volunteer spotlight: Konama's journey as a volunteer at Outside the Lines Foundation

At just twenty years old, Konama Ena Boateng-Brobbey is already making a name for herself as a changemaker. A student at the University of Ghana with a passion for textile design and working with young people, she’s always been someone who pushes beyond her limits. Her favorite quote, “We’ve not come this far to only come this far,” perfectly sums up her drive to do more.

Konama's journey with the Outside the Lines Foundation began with a conversation. One day, she sat down with Collins, a director of the foundation and a close friend. They talked about the foundation’s work, and before long, she found herself tagging along to the school they supported. That experience stuck with her. “I was convinced to stay because I saw I could make a difference,” she recalls. And stay she did.

Though new to volunteering, Konama jumped right in, taking on the role of social media manager. “It was something way out of my league,” she laughs. But that didn’t stop her. She took charge of capturing photos and moments, ensuring that the foundation’s milestones reached a wider audience. Little did she know, she was about to make a bigger impact than she expected.

One of Konama’s proudest moments came when she developed a social media plan that increased the foundation’s online engagement. “It got more people asking about the foundation,” she explains. “It made me feel like my work was at least seen.” But beyond the numbers and social media growth, what really touched her heart was speaking with one of the children and hearing about the big dreams she had. “It’s one of those moments that reminded me why I’m doing this,” Konama says.

However, it hasn’t all been easy. Like many young volunteers, Konama has had to learn how to balance her role with her studies and personal life. “The main challenge has been balancing my volunteer work with all the other aspects of my life,” she admits. However, she’s slowly mastering the art of juggling it all.

Konama believes that her work has meaningfully impacted the foundation. “In such a digital age, social media is an important tool,” she explains. Her efforts have helped raise the foundation’s profile, making it easier for people to reach out for help or offer support. For Konama, knowing that she’s making a difference, no matter how small, is what keeps her going. “I feel like I’m helping impact the lives of young people who may not be as fortunate, and that alone keeps me motivated.”

Volunteering has also taught her valuable skills she never imagined she would need. Before joining the foundation, Konama didn’t know much about managing social media. Now, she’s learned the ins and outs of various platforms and how to leverage them to tell a story. But beyond the technical skills, her experience has opened her eyes to the privileges she has in life. “I’ve learned to be more appreciative of the opportunities life has presented me,” she says.

When asked to describe her volunteer experience in one word, Konama bursts out laughing: “Interesting!” And that’s no exaggeration. Her favorite moments include the team hangouts and outings with the children. One memory, in particular, stands out: the foundation’s first excursion to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. “It was really fun and educational,” she recalls fondly.

Though balancing volunteering with school and other responsibilities can be tough, Konama has developed her own method to manage it all. “I try my best to plan the activities that I need to do so that I’m able to complete them within a timeframe I set for myself,” she says.

For those considering volunteering, Konama offers some advice: “You need to be determined to set aside some of your time to actually get the work done. And you need to be in the right mental space so you can impact others.” It’s advice born from experience, and it’s clear that Konama puts her heart into everything she does.

Looking ahead, Konama has big dreams for her future with the foundation. With her interest in fashion, she hopes to one day train some of the kids who may be interested in vocational work. “I’m hoping to use my passion to help them find their own paths.”

As for how others can support the Outside the Lines Foundation, Konama encourages everyone to get involved in any way they can. “We definitely can’t do this all alone,” she says. Whether it’s following the foundation on social media, donating to our cause, volunteering, mentoring, or even just liking a post, every bit of support helps the foundation continue its work.

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Konama’s journey is a reminder that no matter your background or experience, everyone can make a difference. Her story is one of passion, growth, and a deep commitment to helping others, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!