Rebecca Akufo-Addo receiving a citation at the function
First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has formally accepted to be the patron of SOS Children’s Villages Ghana.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Tema SOS Community Six Children’s Village, Mrs Akufo-Addo expressed her gratitude to the organization for the honour done her.
The First Lady said she would do everything possible to improve the wellbeing of children through her two foundations.
She said that working with children is her life’s passion and her two foundations, Infanta Malaria Prevention and The Rebecca Foundations, have provided her with the structure and focus to do even more for children.
“In the course of my work with children, I have seen pain, dejection, neglect and gross abuse of children, however I have also seen hope, joy, recovery and a second chance given to a child because somebody stood to make a difference in the life of a child.
She said, “It takes a village to raise a child; a village that raises good children becomes a great one.”
She noted that “every child deserves a safe, loving environment in which to thrive,” adding that “every child has God-given talents that must be nurtured to make their dreams come true.”
Mrs Akufo-Addo entreated all to help raise great children because Ghana will be made great by these great children and it will be a win for us all.
She commended the board, management, staff and the mothers for their selfless dedication to the cause of children and also encouraged the children to learn hard, be diligent, believe in themselves and live their dreams big.
The First Lady called for innovative, sustainable and diverse means to support the care and education of the children.
“It’s becoming more difficult globally to fund charities and institutions like the SOS Children’s Villages.”
Also in attendance were the SOS Ambassador Nat Kwabena Adisi (Bola Ray), Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema Central Kofi Brako, as well as the MCE of Tema.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri