Tema, June 23, GNA - SOS Ghana on Saturday held a four-hour sponsored Walk in Tema in aid of the construction of laboratories at the Tema and Asiakwa Villages. The Walk which started from the premises of the Village through some of the principal streets was led by former boxer, 'Barimah' Azumah Nelson and the National Director of the SOS Ghana, Mr Kojo Mattah and some artistes.
Mr Mattah said the Walk forms part of activities marking the celebration of the SOS Week which starts from this Saturday, June 23 and to mark the birthday of the founder of SOS worldwide, the late Professor Hermann Gmeiner. The National Director said activities marking the Week include lecture on career counselling, celebration of Ghana Day with emphasis on cultural display depicting the traditions of the 10 regions, fund raising dinner dance and thanksgiving service. The participants who numbered over 1,000, made up of students of the SOS schools and their parents and the public were given free medical screening by doctors from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Mr Mattah said management of SOS Ghana has embarked on a "family strengthening programme" by identifying genuine needy mothers in the communities by educating and supporting them with micro credit to venture into some businesses to support to be self-sufficient to prevent child abandonment.
The National Director said that the programme has been carried out with the support of the communities who volunteer to identify those facing financial problems in their area with people from places such as Ningo, Kakasunaka, Asiakwa, Gbetseli, Tema and other villagers benefiting from the gesture. Mr Mattah said 148 children are currently enrolled at the Tema Village and 80 at the Asiakwa Village adding that a systematic parental love is accorded them in order not to make them feel neglected. He said the Villages cater for "Children Living in the Villages" from childhood until completing they complete their education, gain employment and then get integrated into society to lead normal lives.
