Ashesi University supports the Shelter for Abused Children, Osu
By Mikelle Antoine (PhD)
One of Ashesi’s learning goals it to be of service to the community. This was one of the main reasons why faculty and staff adopted the Shelter for Abused Children last year. We aimed to support the Shelter and the children in various capacities.
The Shelter serves as temporary housing to 25 children and staff. Because it is temporary housing for runaways, trafficked and exploited children, they are not formally schooled. However, the Shelter provides tutoring services for the children, which Ashesi staff members supported.
The Shelter operates on a tight budget which means it is up to the community to supplement their needs. To supplement their educational needs, Ashesi faculty and staff helped the children learn the alphabets and worked on phonics. We engaged the children in countless art and crafts activities which were later exhibited as a fundraiser.
Ashesi was not alone in providing for the Shelter. Another one of our goals was to help the Shelter gain the necessary attention and support it needed from the community. The community responded. People donated books, toiletries, clothing, shoes, and food for the Shelter via Ashesi’s initiative.
Ashesi’s final activity with the Shelter was a three-day holiday fair. This included bringing the community to the Shelter to train the children in a particular skill. We wanted the holiday fair to be about more than gifts. We wanted the community to donate their time and presence to the children.
Buka Restaurant provided food for the three days. The United Nations Spouses Association funded food for one day. Study abroad student, Johanna Glaser served as art coordinator and worked tirelessly to help the children envision a better future. Ashesi student Sandra Osei-Poku volunteered her time and resources to making the holiday fair enjoyable for all the children. Carla Denizard donated food and book bags. Iveta Rotreklova of the Czech Embassy donated money to purchase food for the Shelter. Elaine Williamson-Moellers, Nancy Friis-Jensen, Eunice Racicot, Paulette Lee, Carol Asamoah, Gale Kalitsi, and Jacinta Ariola all donated book bags and books for the children.
The children were also engaged in craft activities. I led a candle making workshop. Kofi Antonio from the University of Ghana taught the children various genres of African dance. Obadele Kambon taught them the African art form of Capoiera. Janice Kay and Malka (from Dahveed Organic Farms) provided a healthy eating workshop. Naomi Suzuki donated 50 mosquito bed nets to the Shelter. And lastly, Dr. Victoria Barnor from the North Labone Dental clinic provided the children with free screening.
We want to say a big thank to all of the community. We could not have impacted the Shelter without their support.
