NGO ASSISTS WA TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES (PAGE 30)

THE Wa community, just like other deprived areas, has its own challenges. Consequently, a number of community–based organisations and non–governmental organisations are complementing the efforts of the government to address these challenges.
One of such organisations is the Sung-Bawiara Foundation based in Wa. Sung-Bawiara, which means “kindness is not in vain” has three focus areas in its activities. These are assistance for orphans and needy children, particularly girls who are prone to risks, income-generating activities for needy women and support for people living with HIV/ AIDS.
Founded in 1999 by Mrs Christine Choka Seidu, a development worker, the foundation gives financial and material support as well as counselling to the underprivileged in the Wa municipality.
The Ghana Aids Commission and the Catholic Relief Service have each contributed GH¢2,000 and GH¢500 respectively towards the activities of the foundation.
“I make a personal contribution from my monthly salary to help support 15 needy orphans in their education while a number of foreign friends make occasional contributions of small amounts”, Mrs Seidu told the Daily Graphic.
The foundation ensures and relies on a deep understanding of local conditions not only the traditional background, but also the challenges posed by development.
“This knowledge enables us to make long lasting and positive interventions in the lives of at –risk girls, women in extremely difficult situations and people living with HIV/AIDS”, she added.
Over the years, the foundation has organised many sensitisation workshops for a number of identifiable groups, including barbers and saloon workers.
It has also supported many children to enrol in school and provided them with uniforms, footwears, books, among others in Chansa, while eight teenage commercial sex workers have been resettled through the collaborative efforts of the Catholic Relief Service.
Currently, the foundation is supplying food items to 45 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS as well as to 50 people living with the disease.
In spite of that, the foundation still faces some challenges, including inadequate funds to meet high demands from needy people and transportation.
On the way forward, Mrs Seidu said the foundation intended to support its target groups in the Wa municipality and its environs through the acquisition of vocational skills and income generating ventures.