‘Kayayo’ turned nurse brightens future of 38 school children in Bongo

Some 38 children from basic schools in the Bongo District of the Upper East region are being supported in their education by the Value Every Child Foundation (VECF), a Non-Governmental Organization, under its– Educate Vulnerable Children module.

The foundation has also assisted eight other people with startup capital to set up business ventures of their choice, with two additional school dropouts graduating from a vocational training program all under its–Economic Empowerment module.

The beneficiaries are from communities including Anaafobiisi, Zarko-Kadare, Zaare, Dakieo, Zorko-Kanga, and Atampintin.

The founder of Value Every Child Foundation (VECF), Ms. Cecilia Adongo, who disclosed this during the launch of the organization in Bongo, said a story she read online about a deprived young lady struggling to give herself education coupled with her own story of how she suffered to school herself and juggling between menial jobs as ahead potter “Kayayo”, gave her the reason to found the organization.

“The intriguing story I read on myjoyonline about a young lady called Teni which had similarities with my own story gave me enough reason to set up an outfit to help others.

“From carrying heavy loads for tokens to washing bowls at chop bars at Kumasi. I did all that to support myself through school”.

Ms. Adongo, who is widely known for her dedication to the welfare of members of the community and for her commitment to developing the skills of individuals for betterment of lives and empowerment of women and children in the region, said she could not wait for a second voice than to respond to her first call to charity after she completed her nursing training in 2006.

She said even though founding the organization came with and still faces many challenges with funding and cooperation from parents, guardians and the beneficiaries, the remarkable achievement amidst these challenges and her desire to impact the lives of many vulnerable children in the region keep her moving.

“I recall fondly the dirtiest slap I received ever in my life when I tried interceding to prevent a father from disowning his daughter because she got pregnant while in school” Ms. Adongo recounted as part of the challenges.

The chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Alemyaarum, who chaired the occasion, lauded Ms. Cecilia Adongo and the Value Every Child Foundation for their contribution towards eliminating poverty and supporting the vulnerable in the area. He said being a traditional ruler who stood for development; he was ready to embrace the organization and its projects.

The Public Relations Officer of the Organization, Aansim Abotiyire Robert, said the support modalities of the organization have been categorized into five thematic areas to allow for easy operation. These include; –Feed and Clothe Vulnerable Children, Educate Vulnerable Children, Provision of Health Care Services for Vulnerable Children and Empower Vulnerable Children and Relatives.

He called for help to enable the organization to create an environment for less privileged and vulnerable children in society to help them achieve their dreams.

Mr. A-ansim said no child should be deprived of the opportunity to realize their dreams for no fault of theirs.

“No child should remain behind for the fact of where they are born. It is no fault of theirs. We must give them the opportunity to fully realize their dreams too”. He stressed.

The launch of Value Every Child Foundation was on the themed; Our Children, Our Future.

The event had in attendance the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Alemyaarum, and Elders, Heads of Department, Parent, Guardians, Beneficiaries and Member of the Bongo Community.