The Group Managing Director of Village of Hope, Fred Asare, has appealed to the government to tackle streetism by supporting orphanages that care for children neglected by their families and forced to live on the streets.
He said the contributions of orphanage homes to the country’s socio-economic development could not be underestimated.
“The issue of streetism has been with us for many years, and it is getting worse by the day. One of the ways we could stop it is to stop the inflow.
If we can build our rural communities, support families, and put every child in school, then they will have no reason to come to the city in search of jobs and other opportunities,” Mr Asare said.
Village of Hope @ 30
He made the appeal during the launch of the 30th anniversary of Village of Hope at Heritage Christian University College, on the theme, “30 Years of Hope: Transforming Lives and Securing the Future.”
Activities lined up for the anniversary, starting in May, include an alumni reunion and graduation, an anniversary walk, a medical outreach, a nationwide tour, fun games and a fundraising dinner to establish an endowment fund.
Financial constraint
The proprietor explained that financial constraints make it difficult for the orphanage to adequately care for children and babies, as it depends largely on donations from corporate organisations and philanthropists.
He stated that in spite of the limited government support, many orphanages had nurtured individuals who now contributed significantly to national development.
Mr Asare, therefore, appealed for increased financial assistance to help sustain and expand interventions for vulnerable children.
“We do not get any support from the state in the care of the abandoned children and babies we receive from the police and the Department of Social Welfare.
We take care of the babies until the Department of Social Welfare finds a home or adoptive parent for them,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Mr Asare said the orphanage, which has established two elementary schools, a vocational training institute, and a hospital, would continue to support vulnerable children as it had done over the past 30 years.
Commendation
The President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, commended Village of Hope for its achievements and urged other orphanages to emulate its work.
A former beneficiary, Sappah Yahaya, who joined the home in 1999 and is now a university graduate, said the training and care he received shaped his life.
He encouraged current residents to remain hopeful, trust in God, and work hard to achieve their dreams.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh