Prof. Esther Sakyi-Dawson (third right), Samuel Afrane (second left) with other officials unveiling the new Vision and Mission statement
Global humanitarian organisation, The Hunger Project (THP) has re-strategised towards creating a future of enhanced food security; where hunger is no longer tolerated.
Outdooring the organisation’s new vision and mission in Accra, THP Country Director, Samuel Afrane, said THP has worked towards ending world hunger by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centered strategies and advocated for its adoption in countries.
He, however, indicated that after decades of progress in reducing hunger, the trend has reversed.
Moreover, he indicated that the gender gap in food insecurity between women and men is widening – women and girls continue to bear the brunt of hunger.
“Hunger has been getting worse due to the effects of climate change, conflict, global inequality, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are now at higher numbers than we were in 2005, with 828 million people undernourished – without sufficient food to lead a healthy, productive life,” he stated.
He, thus, noted that the new vision, ‘A world Without Hunger’ and Mission, ‘To facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequality that creates hunger and causes it to persist’ is aimed at creating a future of peace, where humanity lives in harmony with natural environment, and where every human being is recognized, valued, included, and belongs.
He indicated that the new direction provides a new lens and an opportunity for THP to evolve its ways of working, with new programs, new areas of thought leadership, and new opportunities for active participation.
Mr. Afrane said, so far THP has supported 45 Epicenters across 33 Districts in five regions pursuing integrated social and economic development further indicating that 23 out of the 45 Epicenters are on self-reliance.
“In the Eastern Region alone, THP constructed 38 CHPS Compounds, which is about half the stock of operational Rural Clinics in the region. THP’s activities have directly benefitted over 350,000 Ghanaians living in $42 rural communities.
We have trained over 2,500 volunteers to lead their communities in the development of agriculture, health and nutrition, education, women empowerment, microfinance and livelihoods development, and engagement with Local government. The volunteers serve as extension agents and community educators,” he said.
Mr. Samuel Afrane continued, “More importantly, we educate the rural communities to change their mindsets or thinking from the state of resignation or “can’t do” to the state of self-reliance or “I can do,” he added.
Mr. Samuel Afrane is of the view that by addressing the root causes of hunger and mobilizing communities, systems can be transformed to create sustainable change.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryn Achampong, lauded the efforts of THP over the years saying the organisation has been a great partner in addressing food insecurity, health and economic empowerment challenges.
He pledged the Ministry’s support to the new vision and mission.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri