Edson da Graça (5th from right) with SOS Children’s Village Netherlands/ Ghana
staff
SOS Children’s Villages in the Netherlands Ambassador, Edson da Graça, has paid a working visit to the country.
Edson, a well-known stand-up comedian, presenter and actor in the Netherlands, visited two projects of the organisation as well as the children’s villages in Accra and Kumasi.
Speaking with journalists at the SOS Children’s Villages Tema Programme Location, Edson said his role as ambassador, which started in 2022, is mainly to interact with project participants in a bid to draw attention to the work of SOS Children’s Villages.
He said the trip to Ghana afforded him the opportunity to witness firsthand the work being done by staff of the organisation adding that the youth projects; ‘Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities’ (GrEEn), and ‘No Business as Usual’ (NBU/YEC), he visited would stay with him for a long time.
He singled out the GrEEn project which focuses on promoting and supporting small, sustainable businesses and the green economy while creating labour market opportunities for more than 5,000 young people, women and returning migrants, for praise.
“I was very happy with the commitment of the staff in Ghana, they are so committed, open and willing and that was really inspiring,” he said. “To be there for other people and to open your arms to help them is what humanity is about.”
Managing Director, SOS Children’s Villages the Netherlands, Arian Buurman, commended the Ghana team for their openness to innovation, partnership and ways to improve the lives of children through the projects SOS Children’s Villages Ghana is implementing.
She assured the country team of their continuous support to facilitate their work.
“We want to facilitate to make sure there is a sustainable income and future for them to contribute to society and that is seen in the GrEEN project for a sustainable future,” she added.
SOS Children’s Villages operate in 138 countries and territories worldwide with a programmes reach of 2.5 million children and families worldwide.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri