From Ghana to Westminster: 13-Year-Old Sarah Kittoe’s Story Inspires Children to Dream Beyond Limits
Thirteen-year-old British-Ghanaian author and philanthropist, Sarah Afua Kittoe, is proving that greatness has no age limit. The young writer has been nominated for the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) — one of the UK’s highest honours for children making a difference in their communities. The awards ceremony is set for October 30, 2025, at the historic Palace of Westminster, where Sarah will be honoured alongside 21 other exceptional young changemakers.
For a girl who started writing during the COVID-19 lockdown at age seven, Sarah’s story is one of courage, compassion, and conviction. What began as a simple dream to write stories that reflect children who look like her has become a powerful mission — to give back and to inspire other young people to believe in themselves.
Sarah has authored five books, all written with one goal: to teach children that their voices matter and that every dream is valid. Her latest book, “Lindsey and the Blue Fox 2,” tackles environmental issues like deforestation and wildlife conservation — a reminder that even young people can lead conversations about the planet’s future.
But Sarah’s impact goes far beyond the pages of her books. She donates all proceeds from her writing to charity — helping homeless youth in the UK through Centrepoint, supporting community outreach at the Wednesday Club in West Croydon, and most recently, funding the refurbishment of a school library in Tema, Ghana. Through her efforts, children thousands of miles away now have a comfortable place to read and learn.
“It’s not just about books,” Sarah once said in an interview. “It’s about using what you love to make the world a little better.”
That belief is now at the heart of her next big dream — the SMKittoe Foundation, which she is building with her younger sister, Mary, an eight-year-old award-winning artist. Together, the sisters plan to support educational projects and empower communities across Ghana and beyond. Their goal is simple but profound: to help people find opportunity in their own communities instead of feeling the need to migrate elsewhere in search of it.
Sarah’s nomination for the BCyA is the second time she has received national recognition in the UK. Last year, she was honoured at the Royal Global Awards for her literary work and philanthropy.
The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, celebrates young people under 18 who are creating positive change in their societies. Winners will receive the BCyA Medal of Honour, allowing them to add the initials “BCyA” after their names — a permanent mark of distinction and service.
For Ghanaian children, Sarah’s story is more than just an award announcement — it is a wake-up call to dream boldly, act selflessly, and rise beyond circumstances. Her achievements prove that with curiosity, discipline, and kindness, even a child from Tema or Takoradi can reach the halls of Westminster.
As Mike Faulkner, Director of the BCyA, put it, “These amazing young people are consciously contributing to causes such as education, the environment, and community development. They are the leaders of tomorrow, and their actions today are shaping a better world.”
Sarah Kittoe’s name will soon be followed by three simple letters — BCyA but her story carries a much bigger message: that no one is ever too young to make a difference.
And for every Ghanaian child holding a book, a paintbrush, or even a dream, Sarah’s journey whispers the same truth — your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your impact can change the world.
