Home for street children in Bolgatanga

Bolgatanga, Aug 25, GNA - Street children in Bolgatanga are to be provided with a home with modern facilities.

The large building, named, "The Next Generation Home", was initiated by the Charismatic Renewal of the Catholic Church in Bolgatanga and largely sponsored by "AFRIKIDS" a non-governmental organisation based in the UK.

The Home, which consist of dormitories to accommodate 80 children, two work rooms, a library, dinning hall, counselling room, conference room, kitchen, offices and a large compound is estimated at 1.2 billion cedis.

At a ceremony held on Saturday in Bolgatanga to launch the AFRIKIDS and also lay a corner stone for the Home, the Most Reverend Lucas Abadamloora, Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, said the number of children moving onto the streets is increasing and their cry for help could no longer be ignored.

The Bishop, whose speech was read on his behalf by Reverend Father Moses Akabule, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Parish, said it is crucial to lend a helping hand to the children on the streets who, otherwise, would turn out to be juvenile criminals in the society. He commended the AFRIKIDS for their support and added that such help is a message to the people around to do more for the unfortunate children.

Mr Mahami Salifu, Upper East Regional Minister, said the increasing number of children on the street is a manifestation that the extended family system is dying and called on all responsible adults to be more accommodating of children in need.

He asked district assemblies to help support such children through various groups and bodies.

Mr Rex Asanga, chairman of the Management Board of the Home, said many of the children are orphans who have lost either one or both parents.

"While some of the children return at the day to their homes with their booty a good number of them seek shelter in front of shops, drinking bars and lorry stations.''

The AFRIKIDS, led by Ms Georgie Cohen, and Ms Georgina Combes, has a membership of young British professionals who have been supporting the Sirigu Children's Home in the region and have included the "Next Generation Home' in their philanthropic programme. 25 Aug. 03