Blog

Like everywhere else, the situation in Ghana is changing daily, but the advice issued by the Ghanaian government is now very similar to that in the UK with an emphasis on preventing the spread of COVID-19 through hygiene measures and social distancing.

But whereas in the UK where we have 24-hour news, the internet, even government text messages, in the remote areas of Northern Ghana where we work, there is often little access to advice on keeping safe and healthy in these troubling times.

So, as you might expect, of our three programmes, health is a particular focus right now! As we said on our last blog, one of the great strengths of AfriKids is that we are able to adapt and change pretty quickly. Our staff on the ground are following the latest heath advice but they are also plugging the gaps where government health messages may not get through.

By taking advantage of whatever means available – through radio and with loud speakers on our vehicles – AfriKids staff are doing their best to make sure that even those in the most marginalised communities understand what they need to do to keep themselves and their children safe.

Of course, getting children to wash their hands is not always easy! So, in the homes we operate, handwashing has become a game, with the children laughing and racing to the taps every hour.

As in the UK, schools in Ghana are closed. But with no internet, AfriKids staff and volunteers are planning to distribute books and printouts to keep pupils up to date with the studies.

The coronavirus is a new challenge, but we are used to challenges as we strive to keep children safe, healthy and in school.

Back in the UK, we are still adapting and figuring out how we can continue to fund our vital work in Ghana. Over the coming days, look out for ideas on virtual fundraising (that’s fundraising you can do at home!). Of course, if you would like to make a donation you can do that on this website, and we would be truly grateful.

If you have not already done, do please sign up to our email list so can keep you up to date with the situation in Ghana as well as new opportunities to get involved.

Thank you and our very best wishes

Charlie and Nich