Relcaso Ghana, a Non-governmental Organisation, has donated food items, home consumables, and Educational Scholarships to the Gyinsung Shelter for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Wa as part of activities to mark the New Year.
The donation on the theme: “Hope in Early Gift, Strength in Every Act,” included rice, maize, cooking oil, and tomato paste, among other items, and two slots of scholarships valued at over GH¢60,000.00.
The educational scholarships would cover the entire basic education cycle of the beneficiaries, tenable at the Willi-Gif College, a private basic school in Wa.
Mr Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre, the Chief Executive Officer of Relcaso Ghana, said the gesture was a symbolic act of love, solidarity, and compassion with one of the “most vulnerable but important” groups in society.
He commended ActionAid Ghana, the Upper West Regional Department of Gender, and the Department of Social Welfare, among others, for establishing the Gyinsung Shelter, which he described as a “life-saving haven” for abused women and children.
“As a social leader and a community worker, this Shelter and its crucial service to humanity came to my attention not long ago.
“Upon interacting with it, I realised that, but for the lack of adequate support, it would have done much better, as its mandate is resource-driven,” Mr Akongbabre, also a JoyNews Impact Maker Award winner, noted.
He observed that harmful practices such as child marriage continued to deprive children of education, dignity, and childhood.
“At Relcaso Ghana, we believe that real impact must be inclusive, sustainable, and built on collective effort.
Every child, regardless of circumstance or gender, deserves equitable access to quality education and supportive care”, Mr Akongbabre added.
Reverend Sister Sheila Ayagiba of the Department of Social Welfare, who received the donation on behalf of the Shelter, expressed appreciation to Relcaso Ghana for the support, particularly during the festive period.
She said feeding, electricity and water remained major challenges at the Shelter, and that the donation would improve the welfare of the survivors.
Rev. Sr. Ayagiba, the Administrator of the Shelter, appealed to well-meaning members of the public to support the Shelter to provide meaningful care and reintegration of survivors into their families.
She explained that while some survivors were in formal education, others were learning vocational skills to help them become economically independent and reduce the risk of future abuse.
Madam Ayisha Jinsung, the Accountant at the Regional Department of Gender, urged society to rise against all forms of SGBV, particularly domestic violence and child marriage.
She noted that child marriage perpetuated poverty and appealed to parents to allow their children to mature and “understand the realities of life” before marriage.
The facility is largely dependent on charitable support and maintains a backyard garden to supplement feeding for the survivors.
