August At Our Children’s Shelter

August at the Children’s Shelter: Learning, Playing and Three Happy Reunifications

August was still school holiday time in Ghana, but life at the Madamfo Children’s Shelter in Ho was anything but quiet. While the children spent their holidays studying, playing sports and enjoying activities together, there was also particularly good news: three children were safely reunited with their families during the month.

Learning Continues During the Holidays

Even though schools were closed, learning continued at the shelter. The children received home tuition in ICT, Science, Mathematics and English, helping them revise what they had learned and stay academically engaged during the holidays. This will help them return to school well prepared for the new term.

Of course, there was still plenty of time to enjoy the holidays. Football and volleyball were especially popular. The children also helped with small tasks around the shelter, including cleaning, weeding and taking care of their surroundings. These everyday activities encourage responsibility, cooperation and independence.

Three Children Reunited with Their Families

One of the happiest developments in August was the successful reunification of three children with their families.

Nine-year-old Elikem Justice was able to return safely to his family just one week after arriving at the shelter. Seidu and Eli also returned home after spending around one month in our care. Following the necessary assessments and preparations, they could safely be reunited with their families.

This is one of the most important goals of our work. The shelter provides children with protection and care when they need it. Whenever it is possible and safe, however, the ultimate goal is to help them return to their families.

Four Children Find a Temporary Home

At the same time, four new children arrived at the shelter in August: two boys and two girls between the ages of nine and 15. They were admitted to receive care, protection and a safe place to stay while their individual situations are assessed. At the end of August, 25 children were living at the Madamfo Children’s Shelter in Ho.

For every newly admitted child, the first priority is to provide safety, stability and time to settle in. Together with the responsible authorities, the team then works to determine the best possible long-term solution for each child.

A Very Special Donation

August also brought a wonderful surprise. A tailor visited the shelter, took the measurements of every child and offered to make brand-new clothes for all 25 children.

It was the first time in the history of the shelter that a donor had personally offered to make individually tailored clothing for every child. A very personal gesture that brought a great deal of joy to the children.

A Temporary Home and, Whenever Possible, a Way Back Home

August once again showed how varied life at the children’s shelter can be. While four children arrived and needed a safe place and care, three others were able to return to their families.

In between are all the everyday things that give children stability: learning together, playing, taking responsibility, having reliable people around them and simply being allowed to be children.

Thank you to everyone who supports our work and helps us provide children in difficult situations with a safe place for as long as they need it.