In a heartfelt effort to fortify vulnerable families and promote economic self-sufficiency, Missing Children Ghana has extended its “Strengthening Families Beyond Reunification Project” to benefit three more families. These families, whose missing children were successfully reunited with them in 2021 and 2023, were recipients of cash grants aimed at fostering economic stability for enhanced childcare.
The initiative, funded by the Family Based Care Alliance (FaBCA) and designed to disburse cash grants quarterly, seeks to empower families who have experienced the reunification of a missing child.
Executive Director Regina Asamoah personally presented the cash grants to the families, emphasizing the positive feedback received from the initial beneficiaries.
Explaining the rationale behind the project, Ms. Asamoah articulated, “The feedback from the first three beneficiaries of the first tranche disbursement is assuring that if more vulnerable families are supported to be economically viable, then they can adequately take care of their children.”
Strengthening Families Beyond Reunification Project Overview
Initiated by Missing Children Ghana, the Strengthening Families Project targets vulnerable families with children who have been reunited after experiencing abduction, trafficking, exploitation, or going missing. This research-driven initiative aims to enhance the economic capacity of mothers or guardians, recognizing that many of these families faced difficulties leading to the initial separation of their children.
On July 28, 2023, Missing Children Ghana formalized a one-year memorandum of understanding with the Family Based Care Alliance (FaBCA) to sustain this crucial initiative. FaBCA commits to providing cash support every quarter to selected families, primarily mothers or caregivers of the identified children.
Beneficiary Family Backgrounds
Nelson’s Family
Nelson, a 10-year-old deaf boy, was reported missing in Pabi, a community near Asamankese in the Eastern Region. He was later found in Krowor in the Greater Accra Region by a Good Samaritan and subsequently taken by the Department of Social Welfare to the Shelter for Abuse Children at Osu. In October 2021. Nelson was featured in the Missing Children Documentary Series by multiple award-winning journalist, Regina Asamoah. He was successfully reunited with his family on 22nd November, 2021.
Through the benevolence of the Chief of Atibie, Barima Asante Betiani II, and community support, Nelson underwent surgery and is currently enrolled at the Koforidua School for the deaf and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In a demonstration of further support, Nelson’s single mother, who juggles the roles of a farmer and a petty trader, received a cash grant. The purpose of this financial assistance was to empower her business endeavors, ensuring not only Nelson’s well-being but also providing support to his six siblings.
Regina’s Family
Regina, a child with special needs, experienced a heartwarming reunion with her single mother in June 2021. As the second of nine children, Regina’s journey towards stability and care took a positive turn. To further support the family, a cash grant was provided, with the specific intention of boosting Regina’s mother’s waakye business. This financial assistance is aimed at not only ensuring Regina’s well-being but also contributing to the support of her eight siblings, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering the welfare of families with unique needs.
Nhyira’s Family
In a heartening development, 10-month-old Nhyira was successfully reunited with her mother in April 2023, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Missing Children Ghana and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The reunion brought an end to a period of separation, offering a promising future for the mother and child.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by Nhyira’s mother, she was granted a cash support to revive her pastries business. The assistance aims to offer a stable economic foundation, ensuring the overall well-being not only of the mother and Nhyira but also extending its positive impact to Nhyira’s brother.
Appeal for Collaborative Support
Regina Asamoah extended an appeal for collaboration with individuals, organizations, and corporate entities, emphasizing the critical role collective efforts play in impacting various projects implemented by Missing Children Ghana.
Currently overseeing four initiatives, including the Missing Children Documentary Series, Strengthening Families Beyond Reunification, Reading to End Violence against Boys and Girls, and Educational Tours, the organization aims to provide holistic development for children.
Regina Asamoah conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the Ghana Italian Women Association (GIWA), IPMC Ghana, Plan International Ghana, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ghana, Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Interplast Company Limited, and the Family Based Care Alliance for their unwavering and continuous support of the initiatives spearheaded by Missing Children Ghana. Their collaborative efforts play a pivotal role in advancing and sustaining the organization’s crucial projects aimed at ensuring the well-being and safety of children in Ghana.
