More About Us
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AS4AK, with the support of a major benefactor, is undertaking the construction and renovation of a large multi-functional education facility with sufficient capacity to accommodate children attending BASICS.
Our objective is to help provide an after school academic and vocational program centre where children can incorporate academics, visual arts, music and dance, sports, sewing and computer work as part of their education.
About B.A.S.I.C.S.
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BASICS is a “safe haven” Day Centre based at Chorkor, a poor, deprived suburb in Accra, for children in the surrounding fishing communities where schooling and teenage pregnancies are a problem and increase daily due to poverty and ignorance. The children attending the Centre range in age from 4 to 23 years.
They are a mixture of ‘street kids’, and deprived and abused children living in appalling conditions on the streets and beaches of Chorkor. Many are also victims of child labor. Most want to go to school but do not have the means or any practical and emotional support to do so.
The new facility will allow BASICS to increase its sponsorship from 250 children to approximately 500 and enable BASICS to increase programs in the community ( for example, adult literacy/and vocational training to parents, family planning).
The BASICS Day Centre, since its inception, has seen the results of children suffering from malnutrition being restored to healthy children due to the feeding program provided at BASICS. Also, children who could not read are now reading books. BASICS programs are designed to end cycles of illiteracy in families who do not see education as a priority. Children will have consistent support to enable them to complete school, therefore minimising the likelihood of returning to the streets; and giving them a brighter future. Children are given positive examples of choices that they can attain to make this a reality.
AS4AK Ltd ....Helping to break the poverty cycle in Ghana, West Africa
Board of Directors
Australian Sponsorship 4 African Kids Ltd. (AS4AK)
- The Honourable Justice Robyn Layton
- Mrs Nicola Downer AM (Chair, Helpmann Academy Foundation Board)
- Ms Joanne Staugas (Lawyer/Partner at Cowell Clarke)
- Mr. Vahid Chittleborough (Lawyer/Snr. Associate at Finlaysons)
- Mr Jeff Milton (Chartered Accountant TIB Business Advisors)
- Ms. Anne Howe (CEO, SA Water)
- Ms Jan Roberts (Company Secretary/Director - JR Executive Services)
- Ms Julie May (Kindergarten Director - McKellar Stewart Kindergarten)
- Ms Dorinda Hafner (Television & Media Personality/Author)
About the Children
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Truancy and absenteeism are major problems. Truancy is very high among children in most poor areas of Ghana. Market days and Fridays especially, register very low turn outs of school children in impoverished areas. Truancy and absenteeism is not limited to only school children but also teachers. The large proportion of female school drop outs is attributed to teenage pregnancy and lack of motivation. When it becomes necessary for a child to eke out a living by doing odd jobs, going to school becomes only a dream. It is the right of every Ghanaian child to have Free Compulsory Basic Education. The denial of basic education is an Infringement of a child's basic human rights.
Many children meet only 25% of their dietary requirements. Their low calorie intake and malnutrition have grave consequences and include stunting, kwashiorkor, diminished intellectual development or death. Protein rich farm and animal products like milk, beans, groundnuts and eggs are denied to children.
Many Ghanaian children do not have access to adequate food and nutrition although they may be residing with their parents or guardians. The situation is worse for children who are not under parental or guardian care especially street children. The majority of the children who are girls end up as maids and are made to work around the clock. They have little or no time to play or interact with other children. They are denied education and are subjected to hunger, even though in most cases the young girls prepare most meals. Many children who are abused suffer emotional and psychological trauma. They may end up as delinquents in the streets of the major cities of Ghana.
Become a member of AS4AK!!
There are 4 different levels of membership: Platinum Member $500 ++, Gold Member $151 - $500, Silver Member $31 - $150 or Bronze Member $30. Whichever one you chose simply depends on how much you would like to donate. In Chorkor, where the average income of a family is $A32 per month, any dollar you give will go a long way.
Your membership will also help to establish AS4AK as a charity. We need over 100 members. The greater the number of members the greater the possibility that the Australian Government will grant us tax deductibility status for funds donated, which will enormously increase our capacity to help the children of Ghana.
Become a member and you will stay a member for life! The money that you donate goes directly to support BASICS education opportunities for children in Accra. Do you want to visit Ghana and see what’s happening? We can assist you in doing this.
We, and the kids of Ghana greatly appreciate your generous contribution. If you would like to know any more about AS4AK or what we are doing then please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@as4ak.com.au
© 2008 - 2010 AS4AK Ltd. all rights reserved. web design by Natasha Boyar www.idowebsites.com.au
A message from Dorinda Hafner
Watch the new B.A.S.I.C.S. movie
