18-Year-Old American Youth Donates 25 Beds and Rel...

NABOCADO is pleased to share an inspiring act of compassion from an 18-year-old American youth, Joey Schoene, who donated 25 wooden beds with mattresses, food and other items to Burkinabe refugees at the Tarikom Reception and Settlement Center.

Joey first encountered the challenges of refugees when CRS arranged a visit to the Diocese by other youth from the USA in August 2025. He was so moved by the living conditions of the refugees, that he returned home and began a personal fundraising effort that was part of his senior year high school project — to help with the sleeping conditions of the refugees.

Joseph waves for a photo

Joey Schoene waves cheerfully as he arrives at the Tarikom Reception and Settlement Centre.

This week Joey returned to Ghana with his father Michael and, with coordination from NABOCADO and CRS Ghana, he presented the refugees with the beds and the following items:

Contributions

• 25 beds with wooden mattresses

• 42 sacs de riz

• Salt

• Sanitary towels

• Football

• Learning resources at Tarikom Primary School

Joseph is helping to carry things

Joey rolls up his sleeves and helps carry donations to the camp.

Joseph and his dad are helping to fix some wood.

Joey and his father Michael help put the beds together.

Joey traveled for almost a week, overseeing the construction and assembly of the beds, ensuring the donation was made with care and dignity.

Refugees on certain beds

Refugees settle into their new beds at the Tarikom Reception and Settlement Center.

Joey’s action was a source of hope, dignity and encouragement for the refugee community at a time when the camp feels more vulnerable than ever with the withdrawal of support from UNHCR and other partners.

Joseph playing football with a child

Joey has a good time playing football with a child at the camp.

We salute this awesome young leader for choosing kindness and standing with displaced families in need. We also thank all the stakeholders who made this possible.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Joey, thank you for reminding us compassion knows no borders and that the courage of one young person can change lives.