Narration: The Country Director of the Association of Children Homes and Orphanages (ACHO), Caroline Aggrey Fynn, has stressed on the importance of adoption and fosterage among the Ghanaian society. This, she believes, would go along way to present an opportunity to be involved in a child’s life and moreover contribute in bringing relief and hope to the oppressed, orphaned and vulnerable children. Mrs Fynn however called on the government, philanthropic groups, as well religious and corporate bodies to collectively embark on a nationwide educational campaign to sensitize the populace on the need to adopt and cater for the poor and vulnerable children to ensure their total survival. Mrs Fynn made the call at the commissioning and fund raising ceremony of the Bongo Church of Christ Orphanage held at Bongo in the Upper East Region. Isaac Asare was there for radio Ghana.
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The orphanage which is being sponsored by a missionary from Hot spring Village Church of Christ, Elder Donald Collins, has an overarching goal of providing quality care and assistance to over 500 orphans and vulnerable children in the district and beyond through education. One of its core objectives is to assist in educating families to accept and support vulnerable children when they are in need. The orphanage since its establishment in 2006 has chalked some successes amidst numerous challenges. It is currently taking care of 33 orphans, of which 13 are enjoying accommodation, free education, quality health care and provision of clothing among other special packages. The remaining 20 are said to be staying with their extended families while benefiting from free education and a square meal daily. The Country Director of the Association of Homes and Orphanages (ACHO) , Mrs. Caroline Fynn, described education as a benchmark of a nation’s development. She therefore charged government to take bold steps in supporting educational projects set up and managed by the various orphanages across the country. Such projects she indicated serves the needs of the children particularly those in the remote areas. Mrs. Fynn also appealed to the government to assist in extending the capitation grant to orphanages providing education to their beneficiaries, adding that most orphanages faces the biggest challenge of assisting children beyond basic education. Addressing participants, the Project Director of the Orphanage, Mr. Evan Adams Akurumolga, said the orphanage with the support of the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, has acquired 2 acres of land cited at their permanent premises. A six unit classroom block and two houses have been constructed on the said land. Another 3 acres of land he indicated has been acquired at Gurogo earmarked for the construction of other infrastructural purposes through the effort and support from some family members. Mr. Akurumolga, mentioned lack of funds and inadequate basic infrastructure as some of the major setback of the orphanage and called on all concern to come to their aid. He appealed to the government, NGOs, Churches and individuals to assist the orphanage with the needed funding to help ensure the successful completion of the classroom block which is near completion. Speaking on his behalf, the Principal of the Bible College in Kumasi, Dr. Augustine Tawiah, reiterated the urgent need for stakeholders to provide the needed assistance and support for the orphanage. He also made a passionate appeal to the government to provide the orphanages with a school bus to facilitate the movement of the pupils staying outside the home. Individuals and organizations were also called upon to contribute their widow’s mite. The orphanage was later commissioned by the Director of ACHO with support from the Bongo District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, among other dignitaries. The Coordinator of Community Development, Mrs. Veronica Badu, and the Minister of Oforikrom Church of Christ, Mr. Nicholas Yaw Boakye, were among the dignataries present to grace the occasion.
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