- 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
- admin@eoa-foundation.org
- +447521158689/+233 543987080
Food Parcel Donation to Ashan Children’s Home
In May 2023, EOA Foundation, dedicated to alleviating poverty and providing essential support to vulnerable communities organized a visit to Ashan Children’s Home (located in Denase off Kumasi-Offinso Highway, Ashanti Region) to donate food parcels and spend quality time with the children. The goal was to help children in need, particularly orphans who lack access to basic necessities, to address immediate food insecurity, improve the children’s nutrition, and foster a sense of connection and care.
Ashan Children’s Home was founded in 1999, starting with 15 children and over time serving as a home for over 100 children, aged newborn and upwards. Many of the children have been orphaned due to illness or abandonment, while some come from families who are unable to provide adequate care. The orphanage relies heavily on donations from well-wishers, as government support is minimal. The children often face food shortages, with staff members struggling to provide nutritious meals on a consistent basis.
EOA Foundation aimed to provide immediate food relief by donating food parcels that would last the orphanage several weeks. Beyond just the donation, EOA Foundation also sought to raise awareness about the orphanage’s situation and encourage ongoing support from local businesses and individuals.
EOA Foundation’s team, consisting of five volunteers, partnered with local food suppliers to source a variety of essential food items. Each food parcel contained rice, gari (a staple made from cassava), beans, maize flour, palm oil and vegetable oil, sugar, canned fish and sardines and instant noodles. In total, 132 food parcels were prepared, ensuring the orphanage would have enough provisions for more than a month. Additionally, EOA Foundation partnered with local markets to include fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and snacks on the day of the visit. The total cost of the donation was carefully managed to ensure sustainability, and local suppliers offered discounted rates as part of their contribution to the cause.
On the morning of May 11, 2023, the volunteers from EOA Foundation arrived at Ashan Children’s Home, where they were warmly greeted by the children and staff. The children, excited and curious, gathered to welcome EOA Foundation with traditional songs and dances. The volunteers worked hand in hand with the orphanage staff to distribute the food parcels. Each child received their own portion, while the remaining food supplies were handed over to the orphanage’s kitchen to ensure daily meals could be prepared for the weeks ahead.
In addition to the food distribution, the volunteers spent time interacting with the children, engaging in various activities such as storytelling, singing, and playing games. This interaction was important to EOA Foundation as they wanted to offer emotional support alongside the physical donation. The children’s laughter and smiles filled the air, providing a much-needed break from their daily challenges.
The food parcels provided immediate relief to the orphanage, ensuring that the children would have nutritious meals for weeks to come. The donation also had several additional benefits:
- Improved and immediate nutrition relief: With access to a wider variety of food items, the orphanage was able to provide more balanced meals for the children, including proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. The children’s overall nutrition improved. The orphanage’s cook reported that the children were eating more balanced meals, which positively impacted their energy levels and health.
- Strengthened Community Engagement: The visit garnered attention from the local community, including nearby businesses and individuals who expressed interest in supporting the orphanage. Several community members pledged to make recurring donations of food items, clothing, and educational materials. EOA Foundation’s collaboration with local suppliers also strengthened their relationship with the orphanage, making it easier for future donations to be facilitated.
- Psychological and Emotional Well-Being: The time volunteers engaged with the children through games, music, and storytelling created a joyous atmosphere and left a lasting impression. Many children expressed how much they appreciated having new friends to play with, even if only for a short time. For children in orphanages, such visits help break the cycle of loneliness often experienced by orphans and provide a sense of normalcy and connection to the outside world.
- Planning and Sustainability Efforts: Beyond the immediate donation, EOA Foundation discussed future plans with the orphanage staff, including setting up a small vegetable garden to help the orphanage become more self-sufficient in terms of food production. EOA Foundation pledged to assist with the garden’s initial setup and provide training.
The Ashan Children’s Home food parcel donation was a resounding success, providing critical food supplies and uplifting the spirits of the children. The initiative not only addressed immediate needs but also paved the way for future collaborations. By focusing on both the material and emotional needs of the children, EOA Foundation was able to make a lasting impact on their lives.