By Isaac Newton Tetteh
Dawhenya, Nov. 5, GNA – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in collaboration with other volunteer organisations have marked the 2024 Iinternational Volunteer Day celebrations at the Abbey Korpe D/A Basic School in Dawhenya in the Ningo Prampram district of Ghana.
The participating groups included Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Peace Corps Ghana, United Nations Volunteers, France Volontaires Ghana, and Corps Africa Ghana.
The event, which brought together volunteers, school children, and community members, focused on promoting volunteerism as a powerful means of community development and inter-cultural exchange.
The 2024 International Volunteer Day which was under the theme; “Building a Foundation of Healthy Habit for students through Volunteer Action’ was aimed at encouraging both local and international volunteers to work together toward sustainable development.
Mr Dong Hyun Lee, the Country Director of KOICA Ghana, in a keynote address, expressed his organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development through initiatives that improve education, health, and community welfare.
He highlighted KOICA’s ongoing work in various districts across Ghana, indicating that ‘Volunteerism serves as a bridge between different cultures and knowledge systems, and it fosters a sense of solidarity that transcends national boundaries.”
Mr Lee acknowledged the important role of Ghanaian communities in welcoming and working alongside international volunteers, adding that hygienic learning environment and healthy students was foundational elements for inclusive, high-quality education.
Dr Tamu Daniel, Country Director of Peace Corps Ghana, reiterated the importance of volunteer programmes in fostering cross-cultural understanding and imparting skills that empower communities.
She praised the collective efforts of the volunteer organisations, noting that their partnership allowed the creation of significant impact, not only in the lives of the communities they serve, but also in the lives of the volunteers who learn and grow through the experience.
She stressed that the international day covered menstrual hygiene, basic health practices saying those were key element to lifelong well-being.
She explained that breaking stigma and fostering healthier habits would help create a brighter foundation for the students.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed that throughout the day, volunteers engaged in various activities at Abbey Korpe D/A Basic School, including dental
education, aerobics, and health awareness programmes for pupils and surrounding community.
Various personal hygiene and health items valued at about US$8,000 were donated to the school for use as part of the celebrations.
GNA