JMSF Visit to SOS Children’s Village Tema, Ghana

We had asked the village what items we could bring that would be helpful for the schools and thanks to the generosity of colleagues, family, friends and local businesses we were laden down with rugby balls, sports equipment, reading and colouring books, coloured pencils and arts and craft materials.

The first day we were welcomed to the SOS Children's Village by the village director Isaac Ackon who spoke to us about the village and the organisation. He explained there are four classifications of children admitted to the village - those who have been orphaned, abandoned, made destitute and abused. The concept behind the SOS villages is that children should grow up in a family environment and they are looked after by SOS all through their childhood and beyond into working adult life.

Isaac then gave us a tour of the village, the medical centre, classrooms, new assembly hall and the sports field. We also visited one of the homes and met SOS mother Esther who cares for 10 children in all. Looking round the kindergarten we were invited into one of the classrooms where the children sang us songs and showed us what they were working on.

Isaac then gave us a tour of the village, the medical centre, classrooms, new assembly hall and the sports field. We also visited one of the homes and met SOS mother Esther who cares for 10 children in all. Looking round the kindergarten we were invited into one of the classrooms where the children sang us songs and showed us what they were working on.

We then split into two groups and joined some of the classes of 6-7 year olds entertaining them with word activity games and talking about where we were from. The children were all very enthusiastic, confident (and noisy!) and extremely excited to have visitors from overseas.

In the afternoon one group of us enjoyed a drawing class with some of the children and a reading session in the library where the children practiced their reading with us. They have a small but well stocked library and we were very impressed with the ability of the children and their desire to read.

Day two started off at the village with a visit to the Kindergarten classes - we split into pairs to be able to visit all the six classes of mixed ability children aged 3-5. Using the colouring books and coloured pencils that were kindly donated, the children enjoyed colouring in pictures to take home.

After refuelling on a traditional Ghanaian lunch of banku, fish stew, tilapia, okra and pepper sauce we divided into two groups for an arts and crafts session. What followed was an explosion of loom bands, glitter, stickers and glue and a chance for the children to express their creative sides.

The smiles on their faces confirm how much fun was had!

Day three started with a trip to the SOS national office to see the national director, Alex Mar Kekula, this was an insightful meeting which highlighted the need of ongoing assistance as they receive no contributions from the Ghanaian government. Alex advised us that during the 40 years of operating in Ghana, it has transformed many children into worthy citizens of society including lawyers, medical doctors and teachers.

We arrived at the village after lunch for an afternoon with the children, we started with a library session where the children were keen to read their new books. The second half of the afternoon was the highlight of the trip for all of us, we were surprised with front row seats for an impromptu concert showcasing the musical talent the school has to offer, this included a saxophone performance by the musical director, a full choir performance and the school rock band. After the performance we sadly had to say an emotional goodbye to our new friends.

The village director advised us how much the children enjoyed our visit and hopes that the special relationship between J Marr (Seafoods) and SOS Children’s Village can continue into the future.

A message from SOS Children's Villages states "The child's greatest suffering does not come from lack of clothes, food or education, but from not having anyone to belong to and being without a home". Through SOS this need to belong is met by the wonderful caring mothers, aunties, teachers and other staff who tirelessly care for and educate these children who may have not had the best start in life but are now able to look forward to a positive future.