The front view of the library
Ashfoam Cares, a charity wing of the Ashanti Foam Factory Limited (Ashfoam), has supported the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana (LCCG) NGO to commission a well-furnished library hub for childhood cancer patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The library was also supported by other institutions such as the Ghana Library Authority. The facility seeks to provide critical emotional, educational, and social support for children fighting cancer and their families.
Speaking in an interview, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Ashfoam Ghana Limited, Nana Yaw Ampem-Darko Antwi, said the company’s philanthropic work is carried out directly through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI).
He said the support for the Childhood Cancer Unit at Korle Bu is part of Ashfoam’s health sector agenda. “When we were approached by the LCCG, we saw children as young as zero to three years living with cancer. It is heartbreaking,” he stated.
He explained that the intervention is in phases. In the first phase, Ashfoam provided all furniture for the new library at the unit to keep children engaged while on admission. The company will announce a second phase of support soon.
Nana Yaw painting with some children at the library
According to him, Ashfoam supports several health causes including childhood cancer and the Sickle Cell Foundation, with focus on children who hold the future of the country. He added that Ashfoam will help maintain and improve the facility to international standards, including painting and regular upkeep, to ensure it remains in good condition for the children.
Executive Director of LCCG, Akua Sarpong, said children with cancer spend months in hospital beds, with their world reduced to machines, medicines and drips. She said playing and learning are integral to childhood, but cancer takes that away and rips children of their childhood.
According to her, the new library provides a safe space for children to leave their hospital beds, feel safe, dream, laugh, learn, play and connect without thinking about cancer.
“The facility also supports mothers, with an outdoor area for activities and a mother circle where they share experiences and receive therapeutic support. The space is also used for art therapy, which is important in the treatment protocol as it helps children relax and express themselves,” she added.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke