Nkurakan: OVC Connexions, an NGO, has introduced a one-year skills development program aimed at supporting vulnerable children, including orphans, in Nkurakan, located within the Yilo Krobo Municipality. The initiative seeks to enhance the learning outcomes of these children through a comprehensive weekend learning experience.

According to Ghana News Agency, the program targets engaging 40 children, providing them with opportunities to improve their academic proficiency, life skills, and critical thinking. The initiative is a part of the 'Read, Feed and Lead Project', carried out by OVC Connexions in partnership with KGL Foundation, which aims to nurture the children and their caregivers towards self-sufficiency, knowledge, and skills acquisition.

Mr. Eric Kwabena Amano-Mpianim, the National Coordinator of OVC Connexions Ghana, stated that the project is structured into a 3-hour weekend school, spanning 40 Saturdays throughout the year. This includes 10 weeks of instruction followed by a two-week recess. Volunteer educators lead these sessions using competency-based activities and group exercises to create an engaging educational environment focused on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.

"We launched the project on March 28, and it has been warmly received by the community. We have distributed storybooks and other reading materials, provided snacks and hot lunches, and will continue to address the children's nutritional needs," Mr. Amano-Mpianim explained.

He added that, thus far, 10 weekly learning sessions have been conducted with an average participation of 36 children each week. Approximately 400 parcels of hot meals and snacks have been served to the children involved in the program.

Additionally, 680 exercise books, 80 school bags, and 40 pairs of shoes have been distributed to support the children's educational needs. With girls comprising 60% of the beneficiaries, monthly workshops focusing on life skills have been introduced to address challenges specific to their development and foster their holistic growth.

The overarching goal of the Read, Feed and Lead project is to enhance academic proficiency in literacy and numeracy, life skills, and overall well-being for orphans and vulnerable children in Nkurakan. The initiative aims to help them succeed in school, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve personal growth in a supportive and safe environment by December 2025.