Bukom children throng children's park for books

Hundreds of children from Bukom in Accra and its environs thronged the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra last Saturday to receive free exercise books.

Some of the children arrived at the park as early as 7 a.m. for an event that was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Two non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Outpouring to the Nations-Ghana and Street Academy, collaborated to distribute books to support pupils from the Street Academy who had gained admission into mainstream schools, beginning this academic year.

The President of Outpouring to the Nations-Ghana, Ms Sheila Azuntaba, who presented the books to the children, said it was the third consecutive time the organisation was supporting children from the Street Academy and others living in the central parts of Accra with books for their education.

A total of 1,500 books were given out in the first year and 300 in the second year, she said.

“This year, we are donating books to 629 children and it is the hope of the organisation that the books will help the children prepare adequately for school,” she said.

Appeals

Ms Azuntaba further noted that Outpouring to the Nations-Ghana engaged in fundraising activities to support less-privileged children in society.

“It is our hope to support the Street Academy with a medical facility this year, and when that becomes feasible, we will employ the services of a qualified nurse to take care of the children,” she said.

She stated that basic education should be the right of every child as such, she urged other philanthropists to assist institutions such as the Street Academy which was into educating less-privileged children.

Formal education

The Director of Street Academy, Mr Ataa Lartey, said 24 street children from the academy had been admitted into public schools to begin formal education, with the support of the Accra Metro Office of the Ghana Education Service.

He said the academy was seeking funds to sponsor more children to mainstream schools.

“The academy has 120 children now between the ages of six and 15, and we need money to look after them and educate them,” he said.