By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, April 18, GNA – The Reverend George Abaidoo, the National Co-ordinator for the Ghana Without Orphans (GWO), a Christian movement, has called on churches and benevolent individuals to foster vulnerable children in the country.
According to him, this would help provide a place of love, hope and a sense of belonging within the traditional family setting as well as the Christian family environment.
Rev Abaidoo made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the Foster Care Family Award and Children Funfair organised by GWO, in collaboration with the Accra Newtown Without Orphans branch.
He explained that GWO was advocating a family base care since the orphanage home does not provide a favourable environment for children upbringing.
He was hopeful that local churches could play a central role in meeting the needs of the vulnerable, from family preservation and adoption; to the provision for specific physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.
He appealed to benevolent individuals, churches and government to support their activities, as it had numerous projects to embark on, in ensuring that there were no orphans in Ghana.
Rev Kwame Ameyibor, the Greater Accra Co-ordinator of GWO in a presentation, said over the years there had always been orphans, but our traditional family setting took care of them.
"It was well structured in a way that the society is responsible for their welfare," he added.
He said the introduction of the western culture with regards to the orphanage home system had destroyed the existing foundation.
He explained that as such, churches and communities must uphold the task ahead and be mindful of their responsibility.
Rev Ameyibor said GWO was poised to help the vulnerable children in society.
He noted that despite the challenges, all and sundry must help restore orphans and vulnerable children to their families and foster Christian families.
Pastor James Tetteh, a Foster Parent and an award winner, also told the GNA that after six months of training with the Great Commission Movement of Ghana, he developed interest in fostering orphans.
He said despite the numerous challenges he encountered, he still saw the practice as a divine calling; with a goal of re-uniting children with their birth parents, if possible.
The event, which was in line with the Foster Care Month and the Easter Celebration, aims at creating public awareness and mobilising churches nationwide to celebrate and honour foster parents.
It sought to encourage local families to adopt and integrate orphaned and abandoned children in their communities.
In all 13 foster parents were honoured for their efforts in providing a place of love and hope for the poor and vulnerable in society.
The citation accompanies the awards reads: “Ghana Without Orphans is giving you this award of recognition and appreciation, to let you know that Heaven has recognized your support and relentless efforts.
"Ghana Without Orphans has seen your kindheartedness from afar; your spirit of resuscitation in time of orphan hopelessness will not go unrewarded.
"The sacrifices of love and care at your expense will grant you long life and heavily blessings now and the ages to come.
"Keep the fire of generosity burning with dignity; continue trusting the Father of the fatherless for supply.
"We say ‘ayekoo’ for your great work. May God recompense your compassion hastily. Ghana Without Orphans is proud of you and your entire family."
As part of the ceremony, GWO presented an undisclosed amount to the awardees.
GNA
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