Street Academy, a non‑governmental organisation, has provided meals for about 400 vulnerable children at its 25th annual dinner party to mark the Christmas season.
The event was intended to reassure the children that society cared for them.
A variety of local dishes, including plain rice, fried rice, waakye, omo tuo and banku with tilapia, were served, with the menu selected to suit the children’s preferences.
Mr. Ataa Lartey, Executive Director of Street Academy, told the Ghana News Agency that the children were drawn from the Arts Centre community and its environs to share a meal and moments of joy.
“The initiative is meant to make the children feel valued and included in society. We might not be their biological parents, but it is our responsibility to help them grow, to shape and nurture them,” he said.
Mr. Lartey said the initiative, which would continue with similar activities on December 26 and January 1, formed part of efforts to support families who lacked the means to care for their children during the festive season and to inspire the children to work hard and contribute positively to their communities.
He said the programme aimed to nurture the children into responsible citizens, noting that past beneficiaries had excelled, including Abraham Mensah, a silver medallist for Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Street Academy operates a three‑year bridge programme that prepares children for mainstream education, the public school system, and vocational training. It is fully free, providing books, uniforms, and two meals a day.
Dr John David Arnold, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Portable Practical Educational Preparation Inc. (PPEP), a long‑time sponsor of the Academy, said their partnership had helped develop the Academy’s infrastructure to improve the welfare of the children.
He said the collaboration had expanded after it became clear that the children needed essential facilities such as a kitchen, toilets and a clinic, adding that it was a fulfilling partnership his organisation was proud to support.
Dr Arnold said PPEP provided monthly financial support to sustain the Academy’s operations and ensure the wellbeing of the children.
“The motivation behind the support is rooted in the belief that children represented the future generation and failure to invest in them now would have long‑term consequences for society,” he said.
