Fifty orphaned children at the Akwadum Christian Village Foundation orphanage in the Eastern region are urgently appealing for assistance to access basic life necessities like food, clothing, education, and shelter.
Despite the unwavering dedication of their caregivers the orphanage is struggling to meet the daily life survival needs of orphans aged between eight months and 21 years.
It relies solely on the generosity of individuals and organizations for subsistence with charity events coming during specific holidays like Christmas and Easter or in times of crises.
Founded in 2008, the foundation is guided by the biblical principle of Matthew 25:35, which highlights the importance of serving those in need.
The orphanage serves as a sanctuary for vulnerable children, many of whom have been brought in by the social welfare department. Some were abandoned at birth, others have lost both parents, and some have parents who face mental health challenges.
Unlike children who grow up in traditional families, these children miss the daily parental love and security that is crucial to their development.
“They are just like any other children, deserving of care and a future filled with hope,” Ms Ahmah Edith Dzifa, the mother of the orphanage, told Ghana News Agency in an interview. “But their reality is different; each day is a battle to provide them with sufficient essentials needed for survival.”
Three dedicated caregivers have become their surrogate mothers, taking on the monumental task of nurturing, feeding, educating, and making life as lively as possible.
However, these mothers themselves also face personal struggles while handling overwhelming challenges at the orphanage. They struggle with the upkeep of the environment. Overgrown weeds harbour harmful reptiles, putting the children’s safety at risk.
Overwhelmed with these issues, Ms. Dzifa is calling for urgent assistance, specifically learning materials such as pens, pencils, exercise books, notebooks, and textbooks. She also appealed for school uniforms, mattresses, and bunk beds, as the children lack adequate sleeping arrangements.
Beyond academics, the orphanage aims to equip the children with vocational skills in carpentry, electrical work, pastry-making, and hairdressing, yet lacks essential tools for training and future setups.
A lawn mower is also desperately needed to clear overgrown weeds on the compound and ensure a safer environment for these children.
One shining example of resilience is a young orphan who has defied the odds and is excelling in nursing and midwifery training college in Koforidua, proving that, with support, these children can achieve success.
The orphanage was envisioned and established by Elizabeth Jane Ossei, who unfortunately passed away. Today, her son Mr. Greggory Quansah supervises and manages the foundation, continuing her mission of providing refuge and hope. He himself lives in London, UK.
Ms Dzifa passionately appeals to individuals, corporate bodies, and charitable organizations to come forward in support, either in cash or kind.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a world of difference for these children. They need love, security, and the means to build a future,” she said.
Food, clothing, school supplies, and vocational training tools are highly needed at this crucial time in the lives of these children who have become orphans through no fault of theirs. Society must bear the responsibility for their care, survival, and sustenance.
The children’s appeal is an urgent cry for humanity to support their future with hope and dignity. If you believe in compassion, kindness, and the power to change lives, now is the time to act, she added
Source: GNA
