Our Team Compassion encountered an unexpected opportunity when we couldn’t visit our initially planned location the Osu Children’s Home, for our Community Service. Through a friend’s help, we discovered the Shelter for Abused Children – a state-owned facility housing children from traumatic backgrounds. The shelter, located in Labone, temporarily houses children who have experienced various challenging circumstances: abuse, abandonment, missing children, and those from broken or financially strained homes.
Despite limited resources, the staff and caretakers (called ‘mothers’) strive to provide care, shelter, food, and basic education. Our experience was emotionally intense. We encountered children with heartbreaking stories: Janice (Not her real name), 18 years old, who had never been to school and was learning to write her own name; Dennis (Not his real name), who came from an abusive home; Akua (Not her real name), who was physically abused by her father; and Addo, a child traumatized by his father’s drug abuse from infancy.
Some children had mental challenges that led to their abandonment, while others were simply lost or left homeless. Despite their challenges, these children demonstrated remarkable resilience, displaying emotions and abilities to interact and play like any other children. We spent our days teaching the children basic skills – alphabets, numbers, shapes, and simple rhymes. Communication was challenging, with most children speaking only Twi or Ewe, and some unable to speak at all. However, we found ways to connect and teach, adapting to each child’s unique needs.
One touching moment was witnessing Ama (not her real name), a 12-year-old who had just arrived, being reunited with her family after being missing. While this brought hope, it also highlighted the painful reality for other children who have been at the shelter for years, feeling forgotten. This experience profoundly impacted us. We realized how much we take for granted – safety, family, education, basic necessities. We learned to appreciate our circumstances and understand that the “circle of life” isn’t accessible to everyone.
Before leaving, we donated essential items like food, clothes, and toiletries. We also recognized the importance of educating children about personal safety – teaching them contact information, family details, and their home location from a young age.
Our key takeaway: awareness and compassion can make a significant difference in these children’s lives. The Shelter for Abused Children represents hope for many, but more support and recognition are desperately needed.
Report by: EMMANUELLA OBENG-KYEREMATENG YEBOAH, TEAM COMPASSION (LDTP 2024, ACCRA)
