On the 18th of April, 2015 we had the opportunity to hold our Share Care program in Berekuso at 2:00 pm. The program began with a meeting with parents where we discussed small victories and sought feedback on how to make the program better. Girls also shared lessons with the audience while parents reiterated the effectiveness of the program.
After the discussion, we were privileged to have Ms Sackey, a Medical Doctor and Executive Director of Team Care Ghana interact with the girls on HIV/AIDS. She cautioned girls to abstain from sex and guard their life. Prior to Ms Sackey attending the program, she had conducted some HIV test in Berekuso and from her findings she warned girls against sleeping with men to avoid the deadly disease. She further explained that many people were infected with HIV so they had to be careful. She said “Girls, the future lies in your hands. Projects like A New Dawn is here to direct you but the decision is yours to make at every point. Therefore, make those decisions wisely”
Sharing of clothes began right after the talk with several volunteers from Ashesi University College helping out. Girls had to sometimes try clothes and shoes on to make sure they fit. It was an exciting experience helping girls choose individually. In total, we received about 350 items and each girl present received a minimum of six clothes and other goodies
18th December, 2015
It was Christmas and we could not afford to make it an ordinary time with the girls. On a normal day, we would distribute the donations unpackaged and ask girls to try them on before they could go home with them. However, on this occasion, we visualized each and every girl in our minds and packed clothes for each person. It was somewhat difficult making sure we gave out the right clothes. Volunteers worked around the clock to complete the packaging. It was a special time in the year and we wanted our girls to feel special. Throughout the process, we were motivated by the level of commitment exhibited by our team members Eunice, Justice and Michael all volunteers at Ashesi. The team packaged about 500 clothes, shoes, bags that were donated mostly by students
The event started and an hour was spent as usual listening to parents as they shared their experiences and how far their girls had come in the program. Soon after the short meeting with parents, we called each girl by name and presented the wrapped gifts to them. Some parents waited to witness the beautiful moment. They were filled with smiles and happiness as the items were being distributed.
It was another time for our Share Care program and the girls were excited send the time at Ashesi University College. We received about 400 clothes, shoes and school bags from donors and distributed them among 60 girls on the 7th of May, 2016. The number of clothes and items were also shared according to the level of commitment from girls in order to motivate the hard working ones
Aside sharing the items, we engaged the girls in numerous activities such as dancing competitions, singing and arts. As girls left the program, their faces lightened up with smiles and laughter ready for a great time in school.
17th June 2017
Our Share Care program came off on the 17th of June, 2017 in Berekuso at 12 noon. On the hot Saturday afternoon, girls walked in with excitement to receive some clothes, shoes and bags. Before the event, we had given out some school bags to two girls who complained of having no bags for school. After the request, we immediately searched through our donations and we were lucky to have received four school bags from one of our donors. It was relieving and fulfilling to be able to provide for them in that situation
As girls came in, they were directed to take their seats as music played in the background. The program started with a general talk on all our programs. Girls gave general feedback on what they enjoyed most and what had to change. It was great to learn from them and to hear their views to better shape the organization. It is one of the major activities we hold regularly to understand how the organization is impacting girls
We moved on to share the donations among the girls and spent the rest of the day playing games and having fun.