From One Suitcase to Changing Nations

Abena Fletcher Sponsors 14 Students from Mindoro to Attend Dualtech in the Philippines

In a remote village in Mindoro, Philippines, 14 young men now wake up each day with access to something many in their community never imagined possible: an education and a job.

Thanks to Abena Fletcher, CEO of Akan Technologies Group and founder of GRIT with a Purpose, these students are now enrolled at Dualtech Training Center one of the most respected technical institutions in the country fully sponsored.

But their opportunity extends beyond the classroom.

Each student is also placed in hands-on, skills-based training with real employment, equipping them not only to graduate but to work, earn, and help lift their families out of generational poverty.

“We are not just handing out scholarships,” Fletcher explains. “We are breaking cycles, launching futures, and building nations one student, one story at a time.”

A Woman on a Mission

Abena Fletcher’s journey began with a single suitcase and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

She arrived in the United States as a young woman without wealth or connections, but with a clear conviction that her life was meant to create meaningful impact.

Today, that conviction is transforming lives far beyond the borders of the U.S.

As the founder of multiple technology companies in industries such as cybersecurity, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and financial literacy, Fletcher has consistently chosen to use her success as a platform to uplift others articularly those often overlooked by society.

“The Lord didn’t bless me just so I could be comfortable. He blessed me so I could become a bridge,” she shares.

Why the Philippines? Why Now?

Fletcher’s work in global education and workforce development is driven by personal mission. When she became aware of the critical needs in underserved provinces like Mindoro - where opportunities are rare and poverty is generational - she acted with urgency.

Dualtech Training Center stood out for its excellence in technical education and its commitment to values such as faith, discipline, and service - principles that align deeply with Fletcher’s GRIT with a Purpose vision.

These 14 students are only the beginning. As they train in fields like automation, mechatronics, electronics, and information technology, they are becoming not only skilled professionals but also beacons of hope for their families and communities.

Beyond the Classroom: A Fighting Chance

“When you give someone purpose, skills, and faith-you give them a fighting chance,” Fletcher says.

Her vision is not about charity-it is economic discipleship.

It is empowerment through education.

It is worship expressed through impact.

Each student represents more than just a scholarship recipient. They are future engineers, community leaders, and agents of change. More importantly, they are living proof that when one person says yes to purpose, entire families and nations can be transformed.

The Mission Continues

Abena Fletcher’s story is still unfolding. Her hope is that this initiative will ignite a broader movement-inspiring entrepreneurs, ministries, and business leaders to see wealth not merely as personal gain, but as a Kingdom tool for restoration.

“I came here with a suitcase,” she reflects.

“Now, by God’s grace, I’m sending others out with purpose.”

Partner in Purpose

If you are an investor, faith leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of opportunity, you can be part of this mission.

Contact us to learn how you can sponsor a student, donate, or partner with GRIT with a Purpose and Forgotten Places, Inc. to empower the next generation in underserved communities such as Mindoro and beyond.

Because poverty ends where purpose begins.

And faith-rooted GRIT still changes nations.