The Accra Technical University (ATU) Library, in collaboration with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Department of Furniture and Interior Design has donated to the Motherly Love Orphanage at Kwabenya.
The items donated include varied food items, provisions, gallons of cooking oil, clothing, toiletries, packs of bottled water, stationery, Bibles and an undisclosed amount of money.
The gesture was to support medically vulnerable children at the orphanage, as part of the university’s commitment to teaching, learning and community service.
The donation formed part of the university’s community service activities and the Third Library Week celebration.
Visit
Speaking at the donation last Tuesday, the Head of Library, Dr Florence Plockey, said the visit to Motherly Love Orphanage was inspired by the library’s resolve to extend its impact beyond the campus and contribute meaningfully to society.
She explained that the children’s situation touched the hearts of staff and students during a previous visit, which informed the decision to return with additional support.
She added that the items were mobilised through solicitations from lecturers, the Vice-Chancellor, companies and other partners, and expressed appreciation to all contributors for their generosity.
Dr Plockey further stated that the library would continue to engage with the orphanage in future outreach activities and urged individuals, organisations and churches to also remember Motherly Love Orphanage in their charitable initiatives.
Children
The owner of Motherly Love Orphanage, Rev. John Asumah, said after he was diagnosed with HIV and publicly shared his personal story, families began bringing their children to him for care and support.
Rev. Asumah said he had been housing and caring for the children since then, providing shelter, education, medical care and emotional support.
He said the orphanage would mark its 20th anniversary in August this year and currently houses 64 children.
He added that two of the children had completed university and are currently undertaking their national service, describing this as a sign that the support given to the children was yielding positive results.
Rev. Asumah said the orphanage continued to face significant challenges in its operations.
He mentioned that feeding the children remained a major concern due to the rising cost of food items and limited financial resources.
He also cited challenges with educational support, including school fees, books, uniforms and other learning materials for the children at various levels of education.
He further indicated that medical support was a critical challenge, as the children required regular health monitoring, medication and specialised care due to their medical condition.
Rev. Asumah also expressed concern about accommodation, stating that the orphanage currently operated from a rented apartment.
He said the facility had acquired a piece of land but lacks the funds to construct its own permanent structure, which would provide a more stable and conducive environment for the children.
He, therefore, appealed to individuals, organisations and institutions to support the orphanage in addressing these challenges.
Appreciation
Speaking on behalf of the orphanage, a caregiver, Rejoice Johnson, expressed appreciation to ATU and all the benefactors for the donation and continued support.
She said the items received would go a long way to meet their daily needs and reduce some of the financial burden on the orphanage
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh