Accra, Jan. 19, GNA – The Echoing Hills Village Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre, located in Madina, Accra, has appealed for the renovation and expansion of its residential facilities to accommodate more children with special needs.
The non-governmental organisation, which has been in operation for close to 30 years, said it had reduced the number of children in its residential facilities from 90 to 40 due to inadequate resources.
The Echoing Hills houses and caters for homeless and abandoned children, victims of child abuse, orphans, Special Children, and persons with disability.
The Reverend Joseph Ocran, Board Chairman, Echoing Hills, said the Organisation had over the years survived on donations.
“We do get regular supply of food items, but when it comes to money to take care of the place, it doesn’t come in as much as we expect. It is a big challenge for us because we have about 40 people under our care,” he said.
Despite the financial challenges confronting the Organisation, it has managed to enrol 12 children in school from Primary to JHS.
He said the Organisation’s residential home is “getting worn out” and required urgent renovation to create a sound and befitting atmosphere for the inhabitants.
“Over the years, the Department of Social Welfare, Police and DOVVSU bring people to us; people who have been abandoned, and those who cannot trace their families.
“If we are able to rehabilitate some of the buildings that we have, I think we will be in a position to take a few more people,” he said.
As part of its “Feeding the Hungry Project,”, the Accra Premier Lions Club, a non-governmental service organisation, last Saturday, presented assorted food items and sanitary products, including paper towels and sanitisers to the Village.
The items were valued at GHC 3,000.
Madam Joan Joyce Osai, President, Accra Premiere Lions Club, and Commodore Steve Obimpeh, the Chairman of the Club’s Activity Committee, led the presentation.
Commodore Obimpeh said the Club existed to serve humanity and provided support for the needy.
He said orphans, persons living with disability, and people with special needs required greater attention and support from society to enable them to overcome their conditions and live a fulfilled life.
He rallied individuals and corporates to support the work of orphanage homes and rehabilitation centres to enable them to discharge their mandate effectively.
GNA