In 2023, Street Children Empowerment Foundation’s (SCEF) Christmas celebration, themed “Building a Community of Belonging,” in partnership with The Social Bridge Ghana, brought hearts together to celebrate the rights of all and shed light on the issue of street homelessness in Ghana. The Accra Rehabilitation Centre served as the perfect location for this exceptional event, turning it into a day brimming with joy and communal spirit.
The Accra Rehabilitation Centre is a notable institution located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Established to address the needs of individuals facing various forms of social challenges, the center plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and reintegration of individuals who have experienced social issues, such as homelessness, addiction, or other forms of marginalization. Its mission revolves around promoting rehabilitation, empowerment, and inclusivity.
The day unfolded at 10:00 am, with SCEF’s dedicated social workers kickstarting the festivities for the children from Jamestown and nearby areas. The event kickstarted with the Gallery walk, a visual journey through SCEF’s impactful journey, vividly depicting the positive transformations the organization has woven into the lives of its beneficiaries, providing a tangible testament to SCEF’s remarkable achievements.
Post the gallery walk, the children plunged into a world of excitement, immersing themselves in the thrill of a bouncing castle, the creativity of face painting, and the joy of engaging in gaming sessions. Reverend Stephen set a warm tone with his opening remarks, while the Project officer, Bismark Sedinam Wordui introduced lively games, infusing the atmosphere with laughter and fun. To support the mothers of street-connected children, handcrafted soap and shea butter called the Omanye Soap and Shea butter were made available for purchase, contributing to their livelihood in a light-hearted and meaningful way.
The Executive Director delivered a powerful speech that emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and community building. The key highlight was “Inclusiveness is the cornerstone upon which our community stands. It’s a recognition that every story, every voice, and every experience contribute to the rich narrative that defines us. Beyond physical spaces, we aspire to construct emotional bridges that connect us all. Belonging is not just a concept; it’s a living, breathing reality that we are actively shaping within the embrace of the Street Children Empowerment Foundation. Community building, in its truest form, extends beyond the mere presence of structures; it’s about fostering relationships, understanding, and shared dreams. It’s about empowering each individual, especially our beloved children, to not only stand tall but to flourish in an environment that celebrates their uniqueness.”.
This paved the way for captivating dance performances by the Accra Dances Movement and the Smile House Dancers, inspiring both children and staff to showcase their dancing talents. The celebration reached new heights with birthday wishes for Ms. Toyin, SCEF Board Member, and Ms. Esther, Smile House Social worker, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the community and adding a touch of personal joy to the festivities.
The Social Bridge, Interactive Digital, and Life Commission, our esteemed partners, took the stage to express their commitment to nurturing a harmonious community for street-connected children. Each partner not only spoke about their dedication but also engaged the audience with interactive elements, infusing the event with energy and a sense of shared purpose.
The grand climax was a spectacle of solo and drama performances, highlighting themes of peace and emphasizing the integral role each individual plays in creating a community of belonging.
The event concluded with the much-anticipated distribution of gifts, including clothes, snacks, and food, led by Project Coordinator Nana Asamoah, leaving the children with heartwarming memories.
SCEF extends heartfelt gratitude to its partners – The Social Bridge Ghana, Interactive Digital, Life Commission, Foodtech Ltd, Mummy & Me Gh, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Fidelity Bank, and Gold Coast Matcom – for their unwavering support in making the event a tremendous success. This collaborative effort exemplifies a shared commitment to creating a community of belonging for street-connected children in Ghana.
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