By Fatima Anafu-Astanga
Bolgatanga, Dec. 21, GNA – Members of the Knights of St John International (KSJI) International and Ladies Auxiliary from the 27th District and District 1, of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Grand as part of their annual charity around Christmas have feted children at the Center for Child Development (CCD) in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
Aside from packed food for each of the over fifty vulnerable children housed there, the order donated bags of rice, toiletries, used clothing, assorted soft drinks, exercise books, pens among others at a total cost of GHC 10,100.00).
Major John Nani Zakli, Commander of the 27th District, supported by Noble Sister Albana Dun, Respected President of District 1 Ladies Auxiliary, in a brief before handing over the items to management of CCD said the donation was a maiden gesture from the 27th District Commandery and District 1 Ladies Auxiliary since its split in 2023 to a new Navrongo-Bolgatanga Grand from the Tamale Grand.
Major John Nani Zakli said, “As one of the pillars of giving and caring for the needy, which is something we have been doing every year over the years, we have come this time to show our love to the young children under the care of CCD and we want to thank you for taking care of the children.”
He said and encouraged the children to be good children, respect their leaders and strive to become responsible future leaders.
Among the members present for the programme were District officers and Grand Board officers, members of the 27th District made up of Sacred Heart Commandery, No. 443 Bolgatanga, St Anthony of Padua Commandery #515 in Bawku, St Joseph Commandery No. 906 Bolga-Soe and Holy Angels Commandery, 932, Garu. Members of District 1 Ladies Auxiliary represented were Our Lady of Perpetual Help No. 343, Bolgatanga, Holy Family Auxiliary #424, Bawku and St Joseph Auxiliary no. 834 at Bolga-Soe.
Mr. Frederick Amenga-Etego, Director of CCD, who received the items on behalf of the staff and management expressed gratitude to the Order for the visit and kind donation.
Speaking earlier about the CCD, the Director recounted how the CCD came to and noted that it is a home constructed as part of a project by the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Bolgatanga under the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese as a residential home for vulnerable and Street children.
He said the 27 years ago project was an old toilet facility for the church which was converted to house street children that later got into collaboration with Afrikids, a UK based organization and the project was named as House of Restoration.
Mr Ete-go indicated that the name was later changed to Next Generation Home until 2005 when Afrikids became a circular organization splitted operations to work with the residential home as partners.
According to the Director, CCD since 2014 has been registered as a Residential care programme taking care of children in area, including shelter, clothing, feeding, medical care and running educational support activities where children are given support from the basic to tertiary level as well as vocational programme.
Other children who are unable to go through formal education but given opportunities to learn apprenticeship and be resettled after their training to take care for their needs and future.
Mr. Amenga-Etego mentioned also that rescued children from anti human traffic unit were also placed at the home and arrangements made to reunite them with their families.
GNA