Children’s Home Ho Updates

May 2026

Elijah came to our children’s home in Ho in June 2025. Despite his very young age, he had already experienced severe physical abuse that left visible marks on both his body and his development. Serious burns on his arms, hands, torso, and buttocks, as well as a fractured upper arm, severely limited his mobility and daily activities.

Simple things that most children take for granted, such as grasping objects, eating, or playing, were very difficult for him. It quickly became clear that Elijah needed not only safety and care, but also medical treatment, therapy, and continuous support in order to develop in a healthy way.

Today, Elijah is making wonderful progress step by step. Thanks to successful surgery and regular physiotherapy, he is now able to open his hands much more comfortably and can hold objects such as pencils with far greater ease. His speech is also improving steadily, and he is becoming more confident in communicating with the other children.

With his cheerful personality, Elijah brings joy to everyday life at the children’s home. He especially loves playing football with the other children. He also enjoys imaginative play and loves using a toy stethoscope to “check” the heartbeats of his friends. His curiosity and openness show every day just how much potential he has.

We are very happy about Elijah’s progress and grateful that we are able to accompany him on his journey.

 

May 2026

April brought many emotional, but above all encouraging moments to the children’s home in Ho, Ghana. Thanks to the continuous support of our donors and sponsors, the children continue to grow up in a safe environment, attend school and gradually build new perspectives for their future.

We are especially grateful that the overall health situation of the children remained stable throughout the month. One child suffered from a severe stomach infection and required medical treatment. Thanks to quick medical support, the child recovered well and was soon able to return to daily life at the children’s home.

Although schools were closed for the holidays in April, learning continued actively at the children’s home. The caregivers organized tutoring sessions, educational activities and shared movie afternoons to keep the children mentally engaged and motivated during the break.

At the same time, many recreational activities strengthened the children’s sense of community. Team games, music activities and small competitions were especially popular and created many joyful moments where the children could simply enjoy being children.

One particularly encouraging example of personal development is Abraham. After completing his school education in vehicle engineering, he has now started practical vocational training at a local auto repair workshop. There, he is gaining valuable experience and working step by step toward an independent future. His supervisors describe him as committed, eager to learn and reliable.

Important progress was also made regarding the shelter infrastructure. Roofing maintenance works were successfully completed, and new solar poles and solar installations are now helping to create a safer and more sustainable living environment for the children.

However, ceiling repairs are still urgently needed in some parts of the facility.

April also brought emotional moments. Three children were successfully reunified with their families after receiving care and protection at the shelter. At the same time, ld baby boy Elijah (1) who had been abandoned by his family was admitted and is now receiving care, protection, and emotional support within the shelter.

Daily life at Ho Children’s Shelter continues to show how important stable care, education, medical support, and emotional guidance are for vulnerable children. Every small step forward is only possible because of the continued support and compassion of people who stand alongside these children.

May 2026

Many people think first of beds, clothing, or school supplies when they hear about a children’s home. But a large part of our daily work revolves around something much more basic: making sure there is enough food for every child, every single day.

That is why we grow maize directly on the grounds of our children’s home. For many of the children, it is an important part of their daily meals. The harvest helps us reduce costs and become less dependent on food donations.

 

 

Since maize is harvested only once a year, the processing afterwards is especially important. In the picture, the maize is being sifted and prepared for storage. To keep it usable for many months, it has to be carefully checked and processed again and again. There is an incredible amount of work behind every single bag of maize.

Moments like these show that our work is not only about providing short-term help. It is about creating more stability, security, and independence for the children step by step. Every successful harvest means a little less worry about how the next meals will be provided.

Thank you to everyone who supports our children’s home and makes sustainable developments like this possible.

 

What does a typical day at the children’s home feel like?

March 2026

In the morning, the courtyard slowly comes to life. School uniforms are straightened, there is laughter, calling out, and sometimes a bit of lingering. It’s this everyday, slightly lively atmosphere that shows the children truly feel at home here.

A calm and stable everyday life

Overall, February was a calm and stable month. The children are healthy, active, and fully engaged in their daily routines.

There was a brief moment of concern when Akua fell ill at school. She received prompt treatment and has since made a full recovery. Today, she is right back in the middle of things, playing, laughing, and bringing her energy into the group.

The situation remained stable in March as well. A few children needed medical care, for example due to stomach aches or eye infections, but they were treated quickly and are recovering well.

Visible development

It is especially encouraging to see how individual children continue to grow and develop.

Abena, for example, completed her training some time ago. With her own sewing machine, she is now putting her skills into practice, making clothes for other children in the home. You can immediately sense how proud she is to be creating something of her own.

Community in everyday life

After school, the afternoons are dedicated to shared activities.

A new volleyball court was recently added and is now used every day. Teams are formed, small competitions take place, and there is plenty of movement and even more togetherness.

At the same time, everyday life itself is becoming a space where the children take on responsibility. They help with tasks, take care of their laundry, and support one another. Regular sports activities complement this, providing structure and balance.

Listening, understanding, building stability

Alongside all of this, there are also the quieter, important conversations.

Our social worker regularly takes time for both the children and the team. It is about listening, offering guidance, and building trust. Especially for children with difficult experiences, this kind of support is a crucial foundation for long-term stability.

This is particularly important for newly admitted children who are still adjusting to their new environment.

New children and individual paths

In February, we welcomed six new children, including three siblings who previously did not have a safe environment.

More children arrived in March, while at the same time others were able to return to their families. One reunification took place after several months in the home, while another happened after a much shorter period.

These developments highlight how important individual solutions and continuous support are.

New admissions often happen at very short notice. When children are removed from difficult or violent situations, we need to act immediately.

For each newly admitted child, immediate costs of around 400 euros arise. This includes basic items such as clothing, a mattress, blanket, pillow, and hygiene supplies, as well as initial medical and psychological care.

Much of this happens in the background and often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to ensure that we can provide help quickly, safely, and with dignity.

Life in the children’s home today

Currently, 21 children live in the home.
21 unique individuals, each with their own story and needs.

Improvements to the environment

There is also a lot happening behind the scenes.

In recent weeks, fences and play areas have been repaired and repainted, and all buildings at the children’s home have received new roofs.

In addition, five new solar-powered lights have been installed. They ensure that key areas remain well lit after dark, improving safety and making everyday routines easier.

At the same time, they are independent of the often unreliable power supply and help reduce energy costs.

Another goal is to gradually make the children’s home plastic-free.

Sustainable initiatives

Smaller projects also contribute to the overall stability of the home.

For example, the fish farming project supports the children’s nutrition and provides an additional source of income.

Special moments

A particularly meaningful moment in February was the visit of supporters on site.

The children prepared a cultural program with music and dance. It was a vibrant expression of what is growing here. Confidence, joy, and a strong sense of community.