Expectations

Early spring

has melted the eyes snow.

I was a blind seed.

Now I see.

The frost that bound

are separating. Flowing

sources of light and air

in everything that is dreaming.

Under the yellow grass,

where the cold was,

the skies cradles

as a root from a flower.

Stone, that was hard and cold

and put in shade

Turns silently

with the sun on the bare backs.

And from the rising waves

of green straw

new expectations are flowing

pure and blue.

Newsletter February – March 2016 

Halfdan Rasmussen’s spring poem describes in a fine way what we humans each spring can sense: The things that have bounded us loosen and our minds are open and receptive to nature’s influence, we are filled with new energy and new forces. We also feel that at From Heart to Hand: We are moving on, something new is ahead waiting for us.

The month of February has brought us many joys. Many members have paid the annual fees and we have had new members. We thank you for all deposits and for those who haven´t, they can be paid into the account 9028-457-18-99286. New members will be gratefully received. Please remember to mark the payment: Annual fee and please don’t forget your name.

Thanks to all you loyal sponsors in making a big difference for some children in Ghana. We also welcome new sponsors, thank you, that you also want to help a Ghanaian child to a better future! There are constant adjustments in the amounts kids need. The older they get the more support is needed because of higher education costs. Thanks for all the support.

The website: www.fromhearttohand.dk. Ditte perform a great and good work with the website. Currently she is working on a new and simplified way to revise and update the list of sponsored children. Remember to read the blog from our volunteers, Julie, who sends good and informative weekly newsletters about his experiences at FHTH Ghana.

Facebook: We enjoy to follow on the sides: From Heart to Hand, From Heart to Hand Building project and From Heart to Hand Lianes Bazar. Good and inspiring information for anyone

interested. Information, movies and photos from Ghana welcomes and encourages anyone who follows the project from a distance.

We are very grateful for all the donations the association gets: From foundations, scientists, dedicated high school students and private. It really makes a big difference to the operation of FHTH Ghana and some of you also sweeten the everyday life of the centre’s residents. A huge warm thanks to all of you.

Money banks also brings many extra funds for the association’s work. Thanks to all contributors. Money banks may be picked up in Lianes Bazar. All those pennies become a good extra helping hand – and: Every little … ..

Donation 25, a facebook project where the sale of homemade dishcloths supports various charities, has since January brought about 4,000 kr. to FHTH. Big thanks to the crochet ladies and to all buyers.

On March 1 the association held the general meeting. All attendance was very positive and two new board members and two new deputies where elected. How pleasant with all the support for the association’s work.

In Lianes Bazar it is going well. There is a large and diverse group of volunteers who all perform well. It is a diverse bunch and the board regard this as a quality. Everyone has something to contribute. All volunteers are positive and kind to the many different customers. We also see customers as supportive of the work of the association. And through meeting the many asylum seekers and new citizens, we try at Lianes Bazar to make a modest contribution to integration.

The board is trying constantly to raise more funds for FHTH Ghana, but since most events are time-consuming, we currently put out feelers to get help for a proposed Trim-Banko in June. We hope for support.

Liane and Ben come to Denmark in June, partly to holiday with the family, partly to work for the association. We look forward with anticipation to getting together and working together with them.

Ghana. The last month everyone has been very busy with making the new centre ready for occupancy.

All children were ready to move, the former volunteer, Annelise and her friend, Marie, has for Rotary funds built up a great playground at the new centre!

Now solar system is set up and works reportedly satisfactory. There is power in the fence on the wall and light in the buildings. The last fixtures are being done on the toilet and wash building. And the last kitchen items, obtained from a local artisan, have to set up Friday. – We hope everything has gone according to plan, it means that FHTH Ghana this weekend moves to own centre!

Amazing to think of! No one imagined this when the association was formed in the later half of 2008. A warm thank you to everyone, who over the years have believed in the future of our small NGO movement and donated money to FHTH Ghana. A special thanks to Rotary’s Ghana Committee who for several years faithfully has provided significant funding to work in Ghana. We hope the project has lived up to expectations! And we look forward to continued the cooperation!

Liane and Ben’s enthusiasm has given us the energy to work for the Board of FHTH: We feel privileged that we are part of FHTH Ghana. Without Liane and Ben there would be no From Heart

to Hand Ghana! Many children would have had no opportunity for schooling and education and many families would have “stalled”. We are proud of their efforts and that gets to be partners in the project. From the bottom of our heart: thanks to you both.

Having our own centre means reprioritisation of funds. Therefore, the association has set up an operating account, where all interested parties are welcome to pay a supplement. Amounts paid into our account in Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286, marked: 1875, will be used for the operation of the new centre and to the expenses that come with driving to schools, families and hospitals. Thanks in advance for each contribution.

“The spring so quietly comes.”

Thanks to our good landlord, Leif Hellsten, and by faithful volunteers Lianes Bazar can celebrate 5th birthday on April 1st. We do so with the knowledge that a new chapter / a new spring is coming. Therefore, the board keeps working and welcomes new and younger forces who want to be part of FHTH. We believe we are making a difference, both in Ghana and with our thrift store.

We know that if the world must change, we must begin with ourselves, our thinking and in our own neighbourhood.

Thanks to all of you who, in one way or another contribute to this.

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk

Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger

Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .

German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar. The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286 DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.

Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.

Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.

We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well

Your deed shall testify for you. Your right hand shall not wither in gloves and golden ribbon! Keep the word holy, for know, the words are your spirit!

We travel empty-handed one day. You also need to go. Enrich your heart, so you can have something to bring! Keep the word holy as angels descend!

Something is greater than you. There are mountains with snow. There are more precious things than your life. You must fight for it! But do not trample on those, who have sunk to their knees! Arnulf Øverland.

Newsletter December 2015 – January 2016.

Very happy New Year to all of you. Times changes, 2015 is replaced by 2016!

It is difficult to follow and reach the many great challenges that the new near has brought us.

In December, we enjoyed being together with Liane, Ben and Alfred. There is always invigorating with a breath of fresh air from where the action takes place! Liane managed to hold many lectures, but unfortunately her vacation period shortened when she was hospitalized in Aalborg with a severe attack of malaria. Subsequently and understandably, she needed to get back her strength again. Nevertheless, we, the board, reached what we had planned: lecture at the library with sale stalls and lottery was a great success with 75 participants and a surplus in the vicinity of 10,000 kr.! Thanks to all those who in one way or another contributed to the good evening and that great profit.

Also thanks to all the individuals / organizations / scientists, who in December have made great contributions to the further construction in Ghana! Your supports make us happy and the board is optimistic. You give us all the strength to work in the 2016.

On December 28 in Lianes bazar we had a blazing afternoon with musical entertainment. Big thanks to Ellen, Nicolaj and Mathias, who gave many attendees a fantastic experience.

The Board is happy to announce that the Year Lottery for 2016 is sold out. Thanks to everyone for the purchase of lottery tickets and supported the association.

Thank you to everyone who have paid for annual membership 2016 and for those who haven´t, it is still possible (see below). Thanks to the faithful sponsors who give children in Ghana a better future. Unfortunately, contact with FHTH Germany is not optimal, but we all expect to hear about the German sponsors very soon. In week 8 we hold a “SALE” in Lianes Bazar. We look forward to seeing our many customers every day and for those who need to be extra careful with their money, we hope week 8 will give you a chance to find extra cheap stuff in the store. On March 1 the Association hold the general meeting in the Big Hall of Brønderslev Library. The General Assembly is at. 19.00, but at 18.00 we serve soup for everyone in attendance. There will later in the evening be free coffee and cake. We hope that many people will show their commitment to From Heart to Hand’s work by showing up and helping to set the agenda for the next year’s work.

Liane and Ben are back in full swing working on FHTH Ghana’s new center. They will move in February and the last things have to be in order. Ben sets, along with his brother, new shock-fence up and plumbing people complete installations in the toilet and shower building. At the same time everything has to be settled regarding the solar power to provide power at the center. We hope everything will be finished on time.

While Liane, Ben and Alfred was in Denmark, Ben’s mother took over and took care of the center – with all that that entails. We are deeply grateful for the assistance – which meant that Ben’s family couldn’t be together during Christmas.

Julie is a volunteer in Ghana in the first three months of 2016, Bodil in the first three weeks. We appreciate their efforts. In January, the center has also been visited by Lisbet and Jesper, who in addition to doing their own projects in Ghana, also supports FHTH. Warm thanks for your support. Liane and Ben is short of working hands, so anyone interested can apply to become a volunteer. They also work diligently to get Ghanaian assistants, but it has proved difficult to find Ghanaians who fully understand and accept the way the center is run. We sincerely hope that soon it will succeed because it is not in the long term durable, that they are left alone with all the work. The workload also means that Lianes reports from Ghana in the future will only come every three months.

Here is the latest news: Doris and Benjamin visited at Christmas their family in northern Ghana and their trip went beyond expectations. Very nice for them. Unfortunately, Doreen and Dorcas late December lost their grandmother, who they lived with. Liane and Ben has spent extra time and effort to take care of them. Now we await the manner of their future housing situation etc. is going to look like. We hope the best for the two weak twins and Stephanie. They will certainly need additional sponsorship to help them. Operating expenses for the association’s new center will in future be noticeable. Any

support towards this will be gratefully received at: 9028-457-18-99286: To be labeled: 1875 Drift. Big thanks to all of you who with interest and commitment follows the association’s work – either through newsletters and reports, via website: www.fromhearttohand.dk or via facebook: From Heart to Hands page From Heart to Hand Building project From Heart to Hand Lianes Bazar (See Donation 25 selling cloths in favor of FHTH) This was the words. Thank you all. Let us together turn words into action.

………………………..

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk

Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger

Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .

German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar. The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286 DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.

Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.

Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.

We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

Together 67 of the world’s richest billionaires own more than the poorest 3.5 billion people

Newsletter November-December 2015.

The term Human Rights generally covers the universal declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948.
Historically those efforts were to formulate the basic rights way back in time. The English Magna Carta of 15 June 1215 contains principles that still apply. It is about ideas such as freedom and democracy, the legal principle that all are treated equally and protection of property rights. These ideas spread through France to the world. In the 18th century these thoughts and ideas are to be found in the United States Declaration of Independence of 1776 and the French Declaration of Human Rights from the 1789.
Fundamental human rights are considered inalienable, as a natural law, an idea that has its roots back to ancient Greece, which has its counterpart in the United States Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and that they by their Creator got certain unalienable rights, among these are the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. ”
(Wikipedia)

Men are born and remain equal in rights.

What is the situation at the end of 2015 with this statement?
We must recognize that the world’s goods are unevenly distributed. We who are privileged to be born in an industrialized country, takes this statement as a given, but how it is experienced by people in a developing country?
Many of them don’t know about the Declaration of Human Rights, but still they are fighting for a better life. They continue to see that people living in other continents, have greater opportunities to create a good life.
In Europe we are seeing many refugees and immigrants. Many of those are fleeing war and persecution because of their believe in a democratic approach to life. This problem we understand hopefully.
Every day we meet: convenience refugees. A concept we sadly use to exclude some people from our society.

Is it “convenient” to give up a life you know and are usde to, and then search for new and unknown goals because you want a life of freedom and opportunities to earn a living? There must be a lot of uncertainty associated with the choice and many also experience frustration that everything is not as simple as they thought.

Some people pay a lot of money to travel to Europe for example. Some of us are offended about it, but if I was an African mother / family with many children who did not have better prospects than the family, I would probably also in every possible way try to obtain funding so that at least one of the children got the chance for a better life with either work or education.
When Liane and Ben have lectures for children, they sometimes ask these questions:
“How many of you have toys you have not played with for a week? For one month? For a year?”
“How many of you live in a house with windows? ”
“How many of you have one or more televisions and PCs?”
“And how many of you have a mother and a father who can take care of you?”

The questions arouse reflection – even with the adults!

The month of November was a good month for FHTH Denmark. We have received many fleas and many of them are already sold.
We prepared selling Christmas stuff in Lianes Bazar. Sales have subsequently gone very well.
Open by Christmas brought a tidy profit.
We still have tickets for the annual lottery in 2016.
We have held the last staff meeting. A meeting where Liane, Ben and Alfred attended. After dinner our “own good” Santa Claus showed up – to the amusement of adults and a very amazed Alfred. We ended the evening with raffle game using recycled packages. Everybody had a good time and was very amused.
Without all faithful volunteers, we could not have Lianes Bazar and Bredgade 64. Thank you to all of you.
We welcome the faithful sponsorships and recruitment of new godparents.
We thank you for paying the members fee for 2016. If you haven´t paid yet and want to, see below this letter.
We have had a meeting with Rotary’s Ghana selection. We are pleased that they still want to support FHTH Ghana. We will receive funds for an establishment of a nature playground and vegetable garden at the new center. Rotary has also sought funds towards solar cells at the new center. We eagerly await the outcome of the application.
Liane has lectured at Rotary. It was a well-attended evening and a very positive attitude to FHTH. We are very grateful, thank you!
Liane and Ben has lectured at the dental practice, triggering a generous donation. We are very grateful for their support.
Liane, Ben and Alfred have also visited Astrup-SønderskovFreeSchool, where they held lectures for students and locals. The lecture was very well received and we now have new friends in Astrup-Sønderskov. We are very pleased.

Leif Hellsten is preparing a new plan of construction in Ghana – both with present and hopefully future buildings. Many warm thanks to Leif Hellsten for his tremendous support for all the work in FHTH.
Now we are preparing for Liane and Bens lectures at Brønderslev Library on Tuesday, December 8 pm. at 19.00. Admission is free and we serve coffee and cake. We sell things from Ghana, things made in favour of FHTH Ghana and American lottery. Warm thanks to all you, who contributed with gifts. Please remember the entry is in the library’s courtyard. We hope to meet many of our faithful supporters.
On 12 December, FHTH is present at Lisbet Hansen’s Christmas Package run at Vittrup center, start at 10.00.
A Facebook comment from a FHTH member has spread with lightning speed. An IT company has therefore approached and donated a large sum to help solar cells. Warm thanks to 7N.
In From Heart to Hand we all work voluntarily and unpaid. We are very privileged in that area.
The association tries to be full transparency, all contributors must know what their payment is for. If at some point that changes, all sponsors will be advised of it and it will also appear on the website and facebook.
Ghana: We welcome the progress on the construction site in Ghana and good volunteers. Thank you for your efforts.
We look forward to great new volunteers in the 2016.
Thanks to Rødding Teater team that brought a nice and positive feature to the Ghanaian everyday.

We are looking forward to another three weeks of being together with Liane, Ben and Alfred.
You are fantastic, we respect and admire your efforts and wish you all the best. THANKS.
We know you have several lectures and meetings on the programme but hope you have a Merry Christmas with the family.
We are honoured to be a part of FHTH DK and FHTH Ghana and we try to solve tasks in a satisfactory manner for all.

Life – and the world is what we choose to do with it. 

Here, the political agenda is nothing – what is essential is our capacity for empathy and compassion.

We wish all faithful supporters a very happy Christmas. Thanks for all the support to a good cause,
Please remember: The outer and material things are the visible, but the essentially is seen with the heart.

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk

Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger

Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .

German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.
The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286
DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.
Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.

Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.

We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

Summer vacation went so quick in FHTH Ghana. We had a full house throughout the summer, and had to cook for 20 people every night. The centre buzzed with fun and happy people, and there was complete silence when schools opened after the holidays again, and one by one they went away from here. In additional Yaa took the big step and moved away from the centre along with Viola, after five years under FHTHs wings.

We got busy visiting all schools, paying school fees, canteen money and buy this year’s school books. Once again we had excited and happy children and young people who were ready for a new school year in a new class.

The building project has had a quiet period and we managed to be completely distraught over the situation. Fortunately it all turned for the better again, and now we’re soon ready to inaugurate the first six buildings, and we will be able to move to FHTHs center. The first families have already moved in, and there is life on the land.
We are pleased and 2016 will surely be a great and exciting new year with our very own
FHTH Centre – for people in need.
There are already new buildings on the drawing board, and we are now looking for sponsors for the work shop building, the volunteer house, accommodations and staff building.

In October volunteer Katrine arrived and John, who is an intern at us. They must both be here until the middle of December. We also had a visit from Højskoleforeningen Vendsyssel, as on their tour around Ghana came by and visited our new centre. They brought us 20 suitcases with presents for the children, and gave further more a very generous donation to our building project.
-We are deeply grateful.

In January, two new volunteers arrive to help us, when we move in at our newly built center. In addition, there will be two volunteers on February 1^st  to build a nature playground at the new center.
There are still places available for volunteers in 2016, please write to us if you are interested.

Late November Ben, Alfred and I will travel to Denmark, where we will be until early January. The first weeks we should give lectures, meetings, etc. and we will often be present in Lianes Bazar, to talk to clients, volunteers and other interested parties.

On December 8 FHTH will hold a free lecture on Brønderslev library, with music and stories from FHTH Ghana.

We look forward to this and hope to see many of you during the Christmas month.

Our families:

Family no. 1:
Mother: Sidonia Dagaar
Children: Ernestina, Kwabena Joseph, Akosua Mary, and Kwaku Emmanuel.

This family has already moved into our newly built center. They live in one of the round huts, and although everything is not quite finished, they thrive very well. – Perhaps it is even the best place they have ever lived. The family can live independently, and therefore it is not meant that they should remain at the center in the long term. The plan is to find a lease for them near the center when we move in there in the beginning of the new year. Thereby, we still offer the help and relief that they need in everyday life.
Sidonia has tried to sell Pito (local beer) in the area, but there were not enough sales, and she is now working in different places from day to day. Some days she gathers cement bags and sells them, and other days she helps in a street kitchen.
Five years ago, we got Sidonias three children out of Reverend Kofis orphanage and the eldest son Kwame moved in with his school teacher. She and her husband have since taken good care of Kwame, and have arranged for his schooling, etc. Kwame however, suddenly wanted to move back with his mother, although she does not have much to offer him. He now lives with his mother and younger brothers, and started at a local school in the area. He is 16 years old. We have made it clear to both Kwame and his mother, that we can not help him financially. We already help four of Sidonias children. Kwame is now working at weekends; he sells ice cream on the street, so he can earn to pay school fees, books and so on. It is difficult to understand why he has chosen to move in with his mother again, where his future is now very uncertain, but perhaps blood is just thicker than water.
Ernestina should have started in 3G this semester, but be due to bad grades she has to take year 2G again. She is deeply unhappy and does not want to continue the school. She wants us to help her and pay for her to start at another school instead. We have told her that we cannot help her. Of course we have encouraged her to stay at the school and make an extra effort. We hope the best for her.

Family no. 2:
Mother: Olivia Owusu (Yaa)
Child: Viola Owusu (Vera)

Yaa and Viola have moved away from the centre. They now live together with Yaas boyfriend Atta, and his two children. Yaa and Atta are planning their wedding and are very happy in their new life together.
Yaa and Viola were to very first people who moved to the centre in 2011 and now they are the first family we have successfully helped through FHTH. It has been a long and sometimes hard process with two steps forward and one back. Yaa was a young, desperate and irresponsible single mother but has now grown to be a confident, proud and beautiful mother and businesswoman.
We are proud of them and they will always have a special place in our FHTH family.

We are now beginning to scale down the support for the Viola, as Yaa gradually take over full responsibility for Violas schooling etc.
Family no. 3:
Children: Enock Okrugu and Samuel Okrugu

Enocks school grades have arrived and he will start in Senior High School as a boarding student from next month. He is very pleased.
In the long holiday period, he has helped at a barber and he has been very happy. He still comes and visit us at the center every Sunday
Samuel has started in 3G at the boarding school, and we have this semester paid for his recording of the final exams next year. It has been a big extra expense since the school wanted the payment for school fees + registration at once.

Family no. 4:
Father: Kofi Boakye
Mother: Afia Adu
Children: Frank Kofi Boakye, yaa Akoto, Yaw Awuah, Evans Boakye and Akwasi Adjei.

When Yaa moved away from her family and it was really decided that she was no longer part of FHTH. The father told us that Yaa now lived with an uncle in Accra, he was looking after her and paid her school fees. The father assured us that they talked called together regularly and that she was all right.
We were therefore somewhat surprised when Yaa one day called us and told that she had returned home. His uncle had treated her very badly, forced her to sell fish, and rarely let her go to school. She also did not get enough food and had to beg for food from neighbors.
We went to the family to talk to the father. The father was angry with his uncle, but we explained to him that he ought to be angry with himself instead. He had let down his daughter and allowed her to travel from the family, without following up on how she really was. He asked for forgiveness and Yaa prayed for our help to start school again. We felt sorry for her, and of course we helped her. She is now in her old school, happy and she has started in seventh class.
The mother still sells beads at different markets, and often she is not home for days.
The father is unemployed, very poor health and drinking too much. We gave him a mini-loan to sell sandals, which went well for a period until he spent all the money on alcohol, and we took the sandals from him again. Fortunately, the children come to school every day, where they thrive and are happy.

Family no. 5:
Children: Lucy Amankwa, Stephen Amankwa, Felicia Amankwa, James Amankwa, Elizabeth Amankwa, Philippa Amankwa, Nana Emmanuel Amankwa (Kwaku).

Unfortunately, the family decided after summer holiday to split up the children. Philipa and Kwaku now live with an aunt outside Kumasi, and Elizabeth moved down to another aunt in Accra. Since Elizabeth now live so far away we can no longer sponsor her. James, who should go to a boarding school next year, is now left alone with the two adult siblings Lucy and Stephen in the house.
Philipa, Kwaku and Felicia spent their entire summer vacation at the center, and Felicia who goes to boarding school come here on weekends, etc. She has just been ill with a lung infection, and was therefore at the center, where we helped her to the doctor.
Lucy has completed her training and is now a trained hairdresser. She got a job in a salon nearby, but dreams of starting her own salon.

The children are all very quiet and it’s hard for us to know how they feel. We try to support them as best we can, and always let them know that we are here for them.

Family no. 6:
Mother: Talata Felicia Kobina
Children: Harrote Kobina (Bebee) and Angela Kobina

Talata and Bebee visited us recently at the center. We had in a very long time not heard from Talata, and we advised her therefore to change this. Angela lives with us at the center, and it is important for us that Talata is showing interest and that she appreciates our help regarding our support for Bebee. She had many excuses but we made it very clear that it will have to change, otherwise we will not be able to continue to support her children.

Bebee are well, we see him often at school, when we come to pay school fees and books.
Angela has been very sorry about Viola leaving the centre. They are best friends. At the same time it has also been good for her, since there is now more time and attention directed at her. Angela is now the oldest child at the center. She is happy and thriving. Last month we held her birthday out at LakeBosomtwi, it was a really good day.

Family no. 7:
Father: Kwabena Awuah
Mother: Mary Ankomah
Children: Stephen Akwasi Sarpong, Francis Sarkodie Awuah, Stella Owusuaa and Liane Konadu.

For a long time we haven´t heard anything from the parents, and decided that if it continued like this we would stop supporting the girls. It is important for us that parents are involved and if they do not show interest, then we must conclude that it is because they no longer need our support. We called the parents for a meeting where we told them that we no longer can help the children because of the lack of contact/interest.  The parents were very frustrated and asked many times for pardon. We have now agreed to give them one more chance, but now require the parents to help financially to paying the girls’ schooling. In this way, they are forced to be involved. Even though we know it’s hard for the father financially, this solution is the correct one. We have since then in cooperation with the parents, decided that the children should change school. The old school was too pricey. The new school is located close to the family home, and children can easily walk to and from school alone. They are happy!
We have been with the parents and the boys to “Dansk Børnefond” to collect the boys’ support. We have visited their school and made sure that they have everything they need.

Family no. 10:
Mother: Ama Bonsu
Children: Vicencia Gyasi Baye, Anthony Twuniasi, Akua Bonsu and Kojo Kliti

All the children are well. We met with the mother, Vicencia and Anthony in “Dansk Børnefond”  when they came to pick up this semester’s support.

Kojo is doing well and even though he is very shy, it is clear that he is happy in school. The family is doing so well that we have decided that from next semester, they should pay half of Kojos school fees. We will, in other words slowly downsize our help to Kojo. Is very pleasing that our support has ensured Kojos schooling, in a difficult period for the family, and it is also very pleasing that it is now possible for the family to take over the responsibilities again.
Self help is the goal of FHTHs work.

Akua is doing well in school, where his grandfather still works as a bus driver. Akua is living with the grandparents who, although funds are small, are looking very well after her.

Family no. 12:
Mother: Georgina Atta
Children: Daniel Eshen, Magdalena Eshen, Habeku Eshen, Nehemiah Eshen + 4 older children.

The children are doing well and are always happy to see us when we visit them at schools. They come regularly to school and seem to thrive, although it is still obvious that the two youngest boys have learning problems and are lagging behind their age. It is frustrating for us that there is no good cooperation with the mother. We feel that more could be done especially for Habeku and Nahamiah, but it is difficult when the mother can not / will not cooperate. We will from next semester involve the mother in the payment of school fees, let her pay a small share, to see if a financial responsibility if necessary can help in the collaboration.

Family no. 13:
Grandmother: Mary Adu Gyamfi
Grandchildren: Joyce Adu Gyamfi and Erica Adugyamfi.

The girls are well and are still very happy to be at the boarding school. In the holidays they live with their aunt where the grandmother also stays when she is in Kumasi. Their Father has also previously lived there, but the aunt has thrown him out when he created too many problems for the whole family.
Joyce has been ill for an extended period of Malaria and has twice been hospitalized. We have helped at one hospital and otherwise visited her regularly. She’s better now, but is still home from school until she certainly is on top again. Apparently, the girls are not very good at taking care of themselves. Often they don’t eat in the cafeteria but eat biscuits and other unhealthy and not very nutritious food. They don’t even sleep under their mosquito nets, as they should. We have advised them and have also talked to the school about different issues, and is now hoping it will be better.

Family no. 16:
Mother: Esther
Children: David and Liane

The children are doing well and they visit us now and then at the centre.
Esther is still frustrated about their housing situation. The new owner has now forced them out of their room by ripping the roof panels of, and they now sleep in a small room at the other end of the house. It’s probably only a matter of time before the owner comes and changes the lock to the gate, and physically throws them out. It is hard for them, and Esther is still awaiting what her husband will do. We visit them often and try to encourage and support Esther.

Family no. 17:
Mother: Stargina Ama
Children: Nana Acquah Lord Henry Obinim, Louis Obinim and Benedict Nhyira Appiah.
Grandson: Kobii

After holiday the boys have moved school when school fees at the old school had increased incomprehensible much. They are happy at the new school, which is located much closer to the mother’s salon. A new fine salon has opened nearby, so it is difficult for her to get enough customers. She’s had a very difficult economic and we have now helped her by transferring the sandals (the father of the fam. 4), to her. She really appreciates the help, and can now economically better look after the boys.
Kobiis mother has picked up Kobii, and he now lives with his mother and her boyfriend in another city. We hope the best for him, that the mother looks after him properly, let him go to school and so on.
It is harsh for such a small guy to be moved such around. We are pleased though that we have helped him the last couple of years. We have given him a good educational routine everyday, with the support of FHTH.

Family no. 18:
Mother: Doris Apana
Children: Benjamin Apna

Doris has again had many ups and downs. Two months ago, she was given more of her epilepsy medication and she has since had it well. The medicine, however, has its side effects, and Doris is very tired and passive in daily life. She stopped at the school, which we all decided was best for her. We found out that she is not professionally fit for school, plus she with her fatigue slept most hours away.
She is now considering the possibility of starting an apprenticeship as a sewer instead, but until then she sells used clothing in the area where we live. It’s not every day she has the energy to go out to sell,, instead she is at home at the center, or with us at the construction site.
Benjamin is very sensitive and easily come to tears. He is also very determined and stubborn, and knows what he wants. If he does not get it his way, he breaks into tears.
When he’s in a good mood, he is the nicest guy. He is gentle and full of laughter.
The last year, in which Doris has been ill, it has been hard for Benjamin. He cares a lot for her, and notice very quickly if she is not well.. It’s hard to be a child of a mentally ill, but we support and fight with them.

Family no. 19:
Mother: Stella Antwi Asamoah
Children: Christabel, Kingsley, Kelvin Armstrong and Nana Aduah.

Kingsley has got his school location, but it is not a school he wanted, and we will try to help him get into another school. Before long he starts all at boarding school. Kingsley fell off a bike a few weeks ago, and subsequently had a bad infection in his foot. We met the mother at a marked, who was trying to find someone who could give Kingsley a tetanus vaccine, since she had no money to get him to the doctor. We were deeply shocked, and thank God we met her! The next day we helped them to the hospital and paid all the expenses. He received tetanus vaccine and was treated with antibiotics. The foot is still a little swollen and the wound has not yet healed, but he is now well again.

Christa Bell is doing well at the boarding school. She is happy when we visit her and is always very punctual regarding the school.
The three small children are well too. We often see them when we visit their school, to pay school fees and so on. Kelvin is doing everything his own way. He has a high temperament and easily get into a fight with his siblings. He has kept some distance from us the last few months, when we had not yet received his school report, but we have talked about it now, and everything is ok again.

Family no. 20:
Mother: Ama Francisca
Child: Liane Amponsah

Liane has again been ill for a long time and we found her in school, very weakened. Ama came to the school, but lied to us and the school board that she had taken Liane to the doctor and that she had received medication. I asked her to go home and pick up the receipts and medicine, and then Ama admitted that she had lied. She just felt that Liane suffered from “too much candy sick”. However, that was not what the blood tests said. Liane was suffering from a bacterial infection of the blood, and is now being treated with antibiotics. If we had not discovered Lianes disease, she could have been very seriously ill.
Once again we have tried to teach Ama about health, hygiene and severity of disease.
It is a shame that Liane again and again has to suffer because of her mother. We wish we could help more, because it’s really hard, if not impossible, for Ama to take good care of Liane.

Family no. 21:
Father: Thomas
Mother: Patience
Children: Joshua and Freda (Mume).

Freda and Joshua are doing well and are always very happy when we see them at school.
There have been many problems with the bus the father drives, and it has also meant that earnings in periods have not been good. It has been hard for the family, even though the mother now sells porridge; it depends very much on the father’s income. We hope it resolves itself, so that the family can regain a stable life.

Family no. 22:
Grandma: Cecilia Owusuaa
Children: Akua Nhyira 1 and Akua Nhyira 2

The girls are doing well and doing very well in the nursery. They are still very cautious and shy, but they are playing and are active among the other children.
The staff and management in the nursery gives the thumbs up for the grandmothers huge effort and hard work, and they are all happy about how much the girls have evolved over the past year.
The grandmother still sells soap in the area where they live.

Family no. 23:
Father: Kingsley
Mother: Esther
Child: Fredrick Osei

Fredrick is the happiest little boy. He sings and dances and fooling all day long. He loves to go to nursery and talk more and more. Fredrick’s mother, Esther, sometimes come and visits us on Sundays. She behaves very rude during these visits, demanding food and looking around at the centre’s stuff trying to find things. We have therefore had a talk with her, and made it clear that she is a guest at the center, and only come to see and be with Fredrick.
She is still very fragile and most times when we ask, she lives in a new place and has a new job. We have told her that when she manages to stay in one place for three months, then we’d love to come and visit her. We hope for her that she can eventually get a better handle on her life, especially if she wants Fredrick to be part of it.

Family no. 24:

Mother: Doreen
Mother: Dorcas
Child: Stephanie

The girls’ aunt has moved from the house and the girls are now alone in looking after their grandmother. It is a great responsibility for them, but at the same time it ensures them improved nutrition. Family members bring them money, so they can cook for their grandmother, and even eat themselves. Dorcas will not admit it, but it is clear that she no longer sells fruit, and they are both at home with their grandmother during the day. Doreen has had a good time, but do not feel very good right now. She suffers from stomach upset and she has lost weight. She is going to a check up at the doctor next week.
Stephanie is doing well and is in kindergarten every day.

An optimist is one who sees a green light everywhere.
A pessimist sees red brake lights everywhere.
The wise people are color blind.
Albert Schweitzer

Newsletter October 2015.
With golden leaves swirling in the air, autumn has finally arrived – and however: Temperatures are still so high that you forget how close the year is at its end. It is a beautiful and lovely time and we should all enjoy the warm weather and the beautiful colors while time is.
The month of October has given many good experiences for From Heart to Hand. Faithful sponsorships, memberships, submission of filled piggy banks, sales of brick key chains and large donations for the construction work in Ghana. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for.
In Lianes Bazar we have been very busy in October, where we participated in this year’s sustainability festival. Many diligent hands reshaped used items to other exciting things. Our “Recycling recycling” was well received by customers and the month’s sales were very satisfactory.
Our branch in Bredgade 64 had, thanks to Børges extra effort, extended hours and our many customers now realize that they in no. 64 also can find fine and cheap goods. So far, we continue to be open on Thursdays at no. 64 from 13.00 to 17.30.
At the mannequin air show in Brønderslev hall, Lianes Bazar presented clothes in a beautiful way. Big thanks to those who took their times to walk the catwalk.
The association has participated in the Health Fair in Hjallerup. Again this year, we were provided a free stall. Thanks to Lene Nielsen for the faithful support.
The association has in October initiated “This years Christmas gift”. We hope that many would like to donate towards food for our families in Ghana.
The annual lottery for 2016 is now for sale in Lianes Bazar. You can also order some by contacting telephone: 50 42 49 77

The board is now working on how to make the most out of it, when Liane and Ben come to Denmark to work in December. They will deliver a lecture at several places in Jutland and at the same time meeting the plan for “Brønderslev og omegn”. We look forward to seeing them and have them among us and hope that many of you will find your way to their lecture at Brønderslev Library Tuesday, December 8 pm. 19:00. Free admission, and free coffee and cake. There will also be musical entertainment. We also have American lottery with fine donated prizes. Last but not least we will be selling things from Ghana.

At the association’s website you can continue to monitor activities in both Denmark and Ghana. www.fromhearttohand.dk.  Facebook is updated regularly too: In From Heart to Hand, you can follow the daily life in Ghana, you can follow our construction project and you can find pictures and information about Lianes Bazar. Thanks to the administrators for their efforts.

Our two volunteers in Ghana, Danish Katrine and German Johannes, do a good job. We are pleased and we hope at the same time that they get a rewarding personal benefit out of their stay.

“Højskoleforeningen Vendsyssel” has visited our centre in Ghana in October. We know it was a good experience and we look forward to hearing personal stories from the participants.

Optimist, pessimist or colour blind?

The board work is carried out with an optimistic fundamental view, we know that when we give the green light to work in Ghana it is in all the best hands.

The red stop light, we do not see, but sometimes we wait with a yellow light in mind.

Colour Blind? We are not.

But we are trying the best to perform our work in a sensible and wise way.

We’ll send a warm thank you to all the faithful supporters, both in Ghana and Denmark.

You contribute to make the green light shine ……………

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk
Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger
Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .
German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.
The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286
DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.
Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.
Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.
We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

In the name of love. In the name of love …………

The above was the theme of free air rock worship at the Church Laden in Stenum late August. Die Herren delivered music to a lovely church service and afterwards the orchestra gave a concert, where the theme also was love: Using love for our fellow men – both those who are near and those who are distant – we can overcome unexpected obstacles and move forward . After the last newsletter the board has experienced this love and understanding of our work in Ghana. We have gratefully received additional contributions to the work. We have also received 20,000 kr. from Lauridzen Foundation, a help towards solar power in Ghana. Further more Lianes grandmother and grandfather, Inger and Jørgen Jørgensen, have donated up to 40,000 kr. for the completion of ongoing construction. We are deeply grateful for all the support. We are not alone in being passionate about From Heart to Hand Ghana. We thank you for your faithful sponsorship, for new godparents, for new memberships, for filled piggy banks and the purchase of brick key chains. In addition to receiving your financial support, we also consider it as a great moral support. Thank you to each of you. Thanks for the help with the website and facebook. We often get positive response to things we make public.

This summer we have been very busy in Lianes Bazar and in Bredgade 64, but thanks to our faithful volunteers, things have gone really well. We welcome good influx of new volunteers and think it is both a positive challenge and very rewarding with the new Rotary exchange student, Cecilia from the US. We also had the pleasure, that most of our volunteers took part in the recently held a staff meeting. It makes the community stronger.

Every day we enjoy the big stickers at the top of the windows at Lianes Bazar. A big thanks to Densi Print for their donation. We have spent all summer working steadily towards the association’s participation in the sustainability Festival 2015. We have shredded up sweaters and knitted dishcloths and pot holders, knitted covers for wooden hangers, made beautiful covers for pillows, including covers with bell string sewn on. We have made pretty kitchen cloths, produced jewelery of royal porcelain, planted houseplants and perennials, we have made lucky bags etc. Without the help of the association’s faithful supporters, we would not have been able to do all this. Thank you to each of you. People see the things and they still sells well. Now we look forward to participating in the completion of this year’s Sustainability Festival: A fashion show in Brønderslev Hall Saturday, October 17. We look forward to showing clothes from Lianes Bazar.

In Ghana they are busy every day and it causes trouble that the power supply is so unstable. It is also an obstacle in relation to the board, the communication between the board and Liane is not optimal. We look forward to finish the solar system project so we are able to supply the new building with the power it needs. At the same time, we think ahead. Leif Hellsten has willingly (again, again) made drawings for the next phase of construction. It allows us to begin to seek Fund support for the next stage of construction. The new volunteer, Katrina, has now arrived in Ghana. She stays until Christmas. In the fall a German will stay there for six weeks. Also the theater team from Rødding high school will give us a visit in Ghana. Vendsyssel School Association will visit the centre this month. The participants have all each packed a spare suitcase with things to our clients in Ghana, a very nice gesture and a unique opportunity to fill the center’s inventory of used clothing, shoes and toys. Everyone at the center is looking very much forward to see this autumn’s volunteers and guests. At the same time we are very pleased in the board for all the interest people show us regarding FHTH.

The board – and many others – is very much looking forward to spent some time with Liane, Ben and Alfred in December.

Please remember, December 8th 19.00 there will be a lecture with Liane, Ben and Alfred at Brønderslev library. Entrance is free and we serve coffee and cake. Ther will be some musical entertainment and it is possible to buy American lottery. We lokk forward to hearing about all the news from Ghana and hope a lot of you will participate.

Thank you for sharing your love with From Heart to Hands work in Ghana.

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk

Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger

Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .

German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.

The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286 DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.

Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.

Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.

We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

Sit out against uplift
and then think freely
it is pure fabrication
that there is something that is not conceivably

Do intoxicate
speed and acrophobia
over the garden and houses
yes we fly even further away
Finally fly higher than the wings can carry you
just being at the ground makes you just weird
go up against the wind – when it bites in your cheek
you have come closer

A life in a maze
confusing
can you spot the mote
it’s hard to breathe freely

So it may help to soar
as an albatross
you will tremble,
when you raise yourself  above us

Finally  fly higher than the wings can carry you …
Lars Lilholt

Newsletter July 2015 

Lars Lilholts poem has inspired us for a long time: This is how we want From Heart to Hand to operate. We set ourselves high goals and hope that the wings will carry us…
Sometimes we experience a precipitous nosedive towards the ground. Fortunately, we have so far managed to slow up and  begin the ascent again …
This is the idealist features: High objectives, a dive and again to begin an ascent.

From Heart to Hand is like all other associations subject to future challenges. We know that we are on an annual basis can have a stable earnings in Lianes Bazar, but we never know which months, providing good earnings and the months that brings a “disappointing” result. In this early summer, we, like many other shops, have noticed that the fickle summer weather has affected sales. May and June fell short of the average. On the other hand, we welcome the month of July, this has given excellent earnings. But it is not a secret that lack of money in the account has been frustrating and stressful – especially for Liane and Ben. Many materials and kitchen and toilet furniture that has been donated is just sitting there in Ghana waiting for funds to be installed. It is inherently frustrating. Inflation is rapidly increasing in Ghana, i.e. everything becomes more expensive.

The board is trying it’s best to remedy the situation: We have for a couple of months lacked the full amount for the operation of the center in Ghana. We have this year spent a lot of money to keep the association’s car running. At the same time, we have had to raise funds for the tickets for Liane and Bens stay in Denmark in December. We work hard and are optimistic, but we have also realized that we have for a period not have been able to fly as high as we wanted.
If any of you reading this letter want to help, you can do so by buying our brick key chains (we can sent it out to you), take a money box home with you from Lianes Bazar(Glud and Marstrand A / S has again kindly donated 200 cans to FHTH) and fill it with all your (annoying) pennies or give a gift to the association. Any help will be received with gratitude.
We welcome many new sponsors and members. Thank you that you in this way support the work of the association. Thanks for all your faithful monthly contributions. We are very grateful for your support!
The website is still being updated and we are pleased about Ditte’s efforts on facebook pages: From Heart to Hand, From Heart to Hand Building project and From Heart to Hand Lianes Bazar you can always find new information.
Lianes Bazar offers plenty of bargains come and see us and make a good deal. We thank you for your support with the submission of the many good fleas and for your trade. Without all the good volunteers, things could not succeed, thanks to you all, “old” as well as new.
Also remember to see our show in Bredgade 64. Often new things are arriving there and we keep it open twice a month. If you want to buy anything from there at another time, just contact us in Lianes Bazar and we will help you.
We are pleased to inform you that a volunteer Katrine is going to Ghana in October. We also look forward to two other volunteers from January 2016.
A warm thank you to all of you who also supports us, when we do not fly as high as desired. Also thanks to Liane and Ben, who are always remaining optimistic. We look forward to their work and well-deserved vacation in Denmark in December.
We fly with love wings ……………

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk

Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger
Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .
German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.
The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286
DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.
Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.
Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address
We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

Let others praise the intellect game
The cold cleverness, the strong easiness! Yes, let them praise only what they want –
I prefer the voice of the heart.
C. Hostrup.
Newsletter May and June 2015.
The month of June has delighted the board in From Heart to Hand with new members. Also, we have got new sponsors. We are very grateful about this, we always have children and young people who need our support.
We’ve got an updated list of German sponsors and on that basis we have undertaken a thorough review of all sponsored children and their needs. Some German sponsors pay larger amounts than we were aware of. It is gratifying, but also means that we have Danish sponsors who pay for a child that no longer needs the money. FHTH Denmark has no direct contact with the German sponsors; we will therefore make contact with some of the Danish sponsors to hear whether they would like to support another child or not. We hope everyone understands the situation. All funds raised have to be used in the best way possible, where the need is greatest. Furthermore, the need for support is greater the older the child is. When they start at Senior High School, schooling is expensive and if it is a boarding school, it is even more expensive. We are looking for sponsors who will help cover these costs. All amounts – large and small – are greatly appreciated and you will receive a sponsorship certificate of the child you support financially. Several sponsors for a single child are regarded as a family who step in and help another.
A final update is on the way on the website, but be patient with our good webmaster who performs the work in her spare time.
We are very appreciative of all the grants that are received during the month

Facebook is continuously updated; it is often exciting news from Lianes Bazar.
Lianes Bazar has, like the towns other businesses, been influenced by the unstable summer weather and did not bring as many customers as in May. But we hope for many tourists in the rest of the summer period. The schedules are, despite holidays and sickness gone up and we owe all the volunteers a big thank you for their efforts. Our last staff meeting was held as an excursion to a lovely park on Tømmerbyvej. It was a lovely experience and we are grateful for Lissy Johansens benevolence.
Lianes Bazar has been sponsored streamers to the windows: Designed by Nicolaj Hygebjerg and the printing was sponsored by Densi Print Baltic Brønderslev. Beautiful sponsor gift which we are very pleased to see at the windows. A big warm thanks to the sponsors.
The preliminary opening days of the exhibition rooms in Broad Street 64 has shown that customers are aware of our stock on the address. Next opening day is 23.07 – 08.06 – 20.08 – 09.10 – 09.24. We hope for good sales on these dates.
At the general election faithful volunteers stood with money boxes at the polling station in Brønderslev Hall, which gave a large contribution to the association’s work.
News from Ghana; we let Liane speak for that. Thank you Liane and Ben that you are there!
A warm thank you to all of you Danes, who in one way or another contributes to From Heart to Hands work in Ghana and make all this possible.
Weigh sternly, and then give!
Search port and stay there!
Think right, and then write!
Do good, and work so!
Christian Winther

Website:www.fromhearttohand.dk

Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger
Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .
German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.
The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286
DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.
Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.
Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.
We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

From Heart to Hand Ghana

Report for

May and June 2015

It is the rainy season in Ghana, and in recent months it has been raining more than expected. The rain has created countless floods, hundreds have died and thousands have lost their homes.
And it’s still raining. The disasters  always hit hardest at the poorest people, those who already have enough to worry about. It’s not easy being poor in a country like Ghana, where there is no insurance, no movables or damage insurance, just nothing. There is no cash help, sick-day money, invalidity or disability pension.
If you have an accident, there is no safety net – you just hit the bottom, and you have to try and stand again as good as you can.
And people are getting up, getting up again and again, and they fight on. – That I do admire.

It’s summer in Europe, and although summer may not have been exactly as you had hoped, it is probably not quite bad anyway – and if you have a rainy day in your vacation, regard it as getting a little bit of our rain from West Africa – the rain we have far too much of.

– Very good summer to all of you.

Our families:

Family no. 1:
Mother: Sidonia Dagaar
Children: Ernestina, Kwabena Joseph, Akosua Mary, and Kwaku Emmanuel.

When Sidonia became ill and could not work, she could not look after Kwabena and Kwaku Emma. They moved therefore acutely to the center, and Sidonia came to the doctor. She was given blood tests, but it turned out that there wasn’t anything seriously wrong, other than that she was probably hungry and exhausted. After a period of rehabilitation at the center, she is now well again, and has gained weight.
The boys are doing well, and they started at the same school as the center’s other children.
The plan is still that Sidonia and the boys as soon as possible will be the first ones to move into the new center, which is not far from the house we have rented now.

Family no. 2:
Mother: Olivia Owusu (Yaa)
Child: Viola Owusu (Vera)

Olivia is busy in the store and now has five girls to teach. She has many events and is now known in the area. When Yaa was apprenticed her manager died of breast cancer. The manager’s family has now contacted Yaa, and offered her to buy all the furniture from her store, which has been closed down after her death. Yaa has accepted, and are now paying it off bit by bit. It is a good opportunity for Yaa, and she is happy.
Yaa and her boyfriend have visited Yaas father, in order that they plan to marry. The father told her boyfriend about the bride price he has to pay him. He demands 1,000 cedis (2000 kr.) and twelve pieces of precious fabrics, various beverages and gin. In addition, Yaas mother’s family demands 400 cedis (800 kr.). It is not easy for an ordinary working man to marry a woman in a local way in Ghana, and Yaa is now waiting what her boyfriend would do. It’s hard to see, especially because we know that the family and especially his father have never taken care of Yaa. It therefore seems quite unfair that he should have a “bride price”.
We have encouraged Yaa to find an apartment near her store so she can move out and live with the boyfriend for some time before they possibly marry each other.
Viola is well. In May we celebrated her seventh birthday.

Family no. 3:
Children: Enock Akrugu and Samuel Akrugu

Enock stayed in May and half of June in school as a boarding student, to finish his final examinations. The exams are now over, and he is now waiting eagerly for the results and new school location he has applied for, which comes during the month of August. We hope Enock can find some work in the period until he must start in Senior High School in the fall.

Samuel has been lucky, and sponsors have helped him financially to get a bridge. He lost one of his front teeth when he was a child, and it therefore meant a lot to him when he in May had a new tooth fitted and again could smile to the world J

Family no. 4:
Father: Kofi Boakye
Mother: Afia Badu
Children: Kofi Frank Boakye, Yaa Akoto, Yaw Awuah, Evans Boakye and Akwasi Adjei.

After the holiday Yaa has been living with her grandmother. The first while she took the bus back and forth every day, and we talked to her when we visited the school. In recent visits to the school, Yaas teacher told us, that Yaa hasn’t been to school the last couple of weeks. We went to see the family and met her father. He was drunk and not quite sure where Yaa was, but maybe her grandmother had sent her off with an uncle to Accra to live with him? We then phoned the mother, who was just as confused as us and we agreed with her that she should try and find out where Yaa is. It is under no circumstances correct to let Yaa move out from town, without informing or asking her parents first. We now await the situation.
The father’s family has offered them to move “home” to their family house, so the family can help them with the children, but the father refused! -We have asked him to think about it again. The parents will certainly benefit from the assistance.

Family no. 5:
Children: Lucy Amankwa, Stephen Amankwa, Felicia Amankwa, James Amankwa, Elizabeth Amankwa, Philippa Amankwa, Nana Emmanuel Amankwa (Kwaku).

Ben and I attended Christiana’s funeral, in their hometown, Koforidua. It was some really tough days, of course, most of all for the children. We tried to comfort and took our time with each of the children, made them eat a little, sleep a bit and so on.
Subsequently, everything has to get back to normal again and it has been good for all of them to return to the normal daily chores. They all reacted differently afterwards. James, Elizabeth and Lucy have been ill, but are now ok again. Kwaku has become more defiant, and Philipa quieter. Kwaku and Philipa have spent the weekend at the center, and we have decided that if any of the children want to stay here a weekend every month, they can. We often visit them and Christiana’s sister (the children’s aunt) has now moved in to help them in their daily life.
The funeral gave a nice profit and Christiana’s siblings have decided to spend the money on building two shops by the roadside of the children’s house. Lucy can open hairdressing salon in one room, and Stephen a shoemaker’s shop in the other. We are very pleased about that. There are already molded bricks, and the craftsman must now start to dig the foundation.
Felicia, who is at boarding school not far from the center, is often at the center, and lives here during holidays and so on. She is now a trainee, and has chosen to stay at the center during the internship. Felicia seemed very depressed after her mother’s death, and was very quiet. She is now happy again, and sing and dance.

Family no. 6:
Mother: Talata Felicia Kobina
Children: Harrote Kobina (Bebee) and Angela Kobina

Angela’s mother and father visited Angela at the center a Sunday afternoon. The father was visiting her mother, but otherwise lives in northern Ghana, and only very rarely in Kumasi. The visit was awkward, and Angela did not want to talk with her parents. She has no warm relationship with the mother, and she  hardly knows her father. Bebee was fortunately with them, too so they played together with the other children at the center.

Family no. 7:
Father: Kwabena Awuah
Mother: Mary Akomah
Children: Stephen Akwasi Sarpong, Francis Sarkodie Awuah, Stella Owusuaa and Liane Konadu.

In recent visits to the girls’ school, we have been aware that Stella hasn’t been at school very much. This day Liane was not in school, and we went to find out why. The mother was home with Liane, who was ill. The mother admitted that they repeatedly visited the children’s father, and that it has gone beyond their schooling. In addition, both Stella and Liane have been sick. We gave her a warning and asked her to contact us every time the children do not attend school. We pay for their children’s schooling and canteen, so it is only more than reasonable that she keeps us informed.

Family no. 10:
Mother: Ama Bonsu
Children: Vicencia Gyasi Baye, Anthony Twuniasi, Akua Bonsu and Kojo Kliti

We have several times visited the children at their schools, and they are all doing fine. At the last visit the head teacher asked us if we also sponsor the youngest who now has started nursery. We do not, but it is gratifying to see that the parents have chosen to let the younger child start at the same school as the other children.

No family. 12:
Mother: Georgina Atta
Children: Daniel Eshen, Magdalena Eshen, Habeku Eshen, Nehemiah Eshen
+ 4 older children.

Last time we visited the children’s schools, the children were not in school. We came to pay school fees and a portion of canteen money, but when they were not there, we chose to wait until the next visit. The children have otherwise come regularly, but we still keep a keen eye, as we know it has previously been a problem that they do not attend school every day.

No family. 13:
Grandmother: Mary Adugyamfi
Grandchildren: Joyce Adugyamfi and Erica Adugyamfi.

The girls feel really good at the boarding school. They often call us and ask for help if there is something they need. On holidays and weekends off we pick them up and drive them home to their family. The grandmother was upset last time we came. The girls’ father often talks rudely to her because he finds it hard to accept that she is looking after the girls. However, he has never taken care of them and has told the girls that he did not want to help them. The father’s behavior is frustrating for the whole family.

 No. family 16:
Mother: Esther
Children: David and Liane
We celebrated Lianes birthday as she is now 1 year old, along with Esther and the children. They are all doing well.
Liane has struggled with a skin disease that David also had repeatedly when he was little. She has been by the physician, and it is now better.
David has been ill with malaria, and we have helped him regarding the treatment. They are now both on top again. The house where the family live has been sold, and they will soon have to find another place to stay. Esther is very worried about that because it is up to her husband to find a new place. Esther wants to start selling different soap, but as they are possibly moving soon we have awaited the situation. Still nothing has happened, so we will now let Esther start with a few products that she can carry around in the area.

No family. 17:
Mother: Stargina Ama
Children: Nana Aquah Lord, Henry Obinim, Louis Obinim and Benedict Nhyira Appiah.
Grandson: Kobii

The boys are doing well and every day they go to school / kindergarten / nursery. However, it remains a problem that they are left so much to themselves and this shows very clearly in their behavior.
Teachers complain that they come to school in broken shoes and without school bags. We have talked to the mother about this and hope she will / can rectify it.
The teacher at nursery has earnestly asked us to take Benedict in care, since they can clearly see that the mother does not look proper for him. –the mother has asked us too, but it is not possible for us. We try instead to advise and support the mother as well as we can, and try and visit the family often.

No family. 18:
Mother: Doris Apana
Children: Benjamin Apana

After Doris has started on new medication, she is feeling much better. She is now completely stabilized, and we have for a very long time not seen anything of her illness. She is doing well and she is fit for going to school again. The next three months Doris will be in an internship, and we therefore hope for her that she will continue to have it as good as now.
We still go with her to check up by the psychiatrist every month, and in July she will also have blood tests and have her Hepatitis C checked.
Benjamin is doing well and it means a lot to his life that his mother is doing so much better.

No family. 19:
Mother: Stella Antwi Asamoah
Children: Christabel, Kingsley, Kelvin Armstrong and Nana Aduah.

Kingsley has like Enock written his diplomas and is now waiting for the results. He is optimistic and confident that it has gone well. Kingsley now wants to find a job until he  autumn starts in Senior High School in autumn.
Christabell has been ill with malaria and stayed home from boarding school. The mother was with her at the doctor, and after treatment she was well again. Christabell didn´t pass several subjects at the last term’s exams, and we have talked to her about it. We will try to get a teacher at the school to give her extra help in the subjects where she has problems.
The three youngest are doing well, and we pay regularly their school fees.
The mother has recently sold rice at a school but wants to start something else. It is difficult for her to earn enough to support themselves and five children.

No family. 20:
Mother: Ama Francisca
Child: Liane Amponsah

After a long time we had been uncertain if Ama should continue to receive sponsorship, we have now decided to end it. This decision was taken after we were contacted by police, who said that Ama had been arrested. It turned out that Ama had been in a fight with another girl, and that she had cut the girl three times with a machete. We chose not to have anything to do with this case. Amas mother phoned some days later to tell that the other girl and her family had agreed to drop any charges if they were given a financial compensation. We do not know how much money is involved, but we know that Amas family now pay a certain amount every month.

Liane is doing well, but she is often ill with fever or upset stomach. Ama can not look after her properly, and it’s very likely poor nutrition that often makes her sick. We advise Ama on hygiene and health, and visit them as often as possible.
Liane is happily going to nursery every day, and from now on we focus exclusively on her schooling and health.

No family. 21:
Father: Thomas
Mother: Patience
Children: Joshua and Freda (Mume).

Patience has started selling breakfast (porridge and bread), in front of the house where they live. The father is also back to work, as a driver for a large bus which runs scheduled trips. The family’s financial situation is again more stable, and we are pleased. Freda and Joshua feel good and thrive in school

 No family. 22:
Grandma: Cicilia Owusuaa
Children: Akua Nhyira first
Akua Nhyira second

The girls have struggled with scabies, and have for several weeks not been in nursery. The grandmother sent them to the doctor and after treatment they are fine again.
A big thanks to the sponsors who have helped paying the family’s rent. The grandmother is now free of worries, and can now concentrate on the daily chores instead

No family. 23:
Father: Kingsley
Mother: Esther
Child: Fredrick Osei

Fredrick started in the nursery, the same place as our Alfred. The start went well, and he soon got used to the new surroundings and routines. He is really happy about having to leave every morning and comes home singing every afternoon. Alfred is proud to have Fredrick in “his” nursery. He says all the time: “Fredrick is my brother” and he looks after him as the faithful brother.
Fredrick’s mother, Esther, came a few weeks ago to visit, before she hasn’t been for several months. When she came, she had not even money to take the bus back home, and we had to help. She is unstable, confused and have difficulty taking care of herself.
Fredrick’s father, Kingsley, has repeatedly called (illegally) from prison. He wants us to buy food for him, but we have no intention to visit him in prison.

No family. 24:
Mother: Doreen
Mother: Dorcas
Child: Stephanie

The girls’ grandmother, where they live, has had a stroke, and now sits in a wheelchair. It is her who has looked after them so far, so now it is even harder for the girls to function in everyday life. The grandmother gets food from the girls’ aunt, who also lives in the house, but the aunt doesn’t look after the girls. Dorcas still sells fruit, and it is now the income they all are depending on.
It is clear to see that they do not have enough and they do not get the proper nutrition. Doreen has once again anemia, is very weak and receive medical treatment. She is also struggling with severe infections in the mouth, and for the third time in the last year, she has got a tooth pulled out due to infection. Dorcas and Stephanie both suffer with their health and have been sick repeatedly, most recently with malaria.
When Doreen gets better, we want to give her a small amount of money that can help her start to sell in the area near where they live.

Grace is your everyday, everyday, the presence. People living with grace, grace is: to be.
(DDS no. 522.1)
(Grace is an ambiguous concept: First, it is a religious sense, where the one who has grace, has God’s kindness and love. Second, grace means forgiveness or exemption from punishment, for example, the phrase “to ask for mercy.” The third use of the word is old-fashioned respectful of address two dignitaries: “Your Grace.” Synonyms: mercy, favor, goodwill.) (Wikipedia)

Human life is strange …….
In his book “Something for mercy”, Gudmund Rask Pedersen has some thoughts about the way we humans perceive life. Often we wonder why there is so much evil in the world, when God is good. To this Gudmund Rask Pedersen asked: Why is there so much that is  good and beautiful in life?
When we occasionally meet adversity, illness and sorrows it affects us all and quite naturally, we are sad, demoralized, maybe even depressed.
But how do we RESPOND to life’s small and great joys? We appreciate every single new day, appreciate changing seasons and appreciate people we are living with. Do we remember “to be”?

For From Heart to Hand, May has been a busy month and this is definitely a positive sign.
We constantly receive new members, new sponsors and many individual donations. It is a pleasure with the great support we as an association meets everywhere. Thank you.
We are trying in good faith with the continuous updating of the Association’s website and facebook pages.
Laila Hygebjerg, designer and high school teacher in Rødding, has donated beautiful brick key chains to the association. They are sold for the benefit of the construction project in Ghana. Key rings can be purchased for 100 kr. in Lianes Bazar or ordered from the Association’s address. We are including a gift certificate (designed by Nicolaj Hygebjerg). We hope for good sales and thank Laila for the great work she has done to support FHTH.
Our showroom in Bredgade 64 will during summer stay open two Thursdays a month from 10 – 14. Many thanks to the owner of the building, who has been so kind to lend us the facilities. Also, thanks to Børge, who will be present on opening days: 18.06 – 02.07 – 23.07 – 06.08 – 20.08 – 10.09 – 24.09. We hope that many customers in addition to visiting Lianes Bazar also will look in at Bredgade 64.
Lianes Bazar is always busy. Thank you to our many customers and to all faithful helpers. Remember: We receive with thanks all forms of recycling things.
In the upcoming election From Heart to Hand will meet in the entrance hall. We bring piggy banks and information.
News from Ghana.

Here is the latest news from Liane:
Ghana has in recent weeks been the victim of heavy rain, with countless floods … More than 100 have died and many thousands left without homes … It is deeply tragic and everyone is in shock … We are privileged with where we live, the worst has passed beyond the coast. For all of us in Ghana it has meant even more power failure (yes who would have thought it was possible!!) So it is often not easy to get online, let alone charging the headset up …
We are deeply touched with the harsh and tragic conditions of many Ghanaians.
Report will be issued later.

Thank you to everyone for being there for From Heart to Hand. We wish you all a very nice summer. Let us enjoy it regardless the weather and let us be pleased that we have the opportunity to choose to be present in life.

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk
Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger
Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .
German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.
The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286
DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.
Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.
Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.
We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (Niels: 20 70 50 49)

Please let us know, if you want any specific items from Ghana. We might be able to get it for you.

Please let us know if you get a new email address and to you who get newsletters and report sent by post: please give us your email address as well.

Newsletter April 2015

One – perhaps Utopian – wish: A world where few have too much and fewer too little.
I received various comments on the last newsletter, which included this:
“Everyone should have enough to eat and all children should have access to schooling. The number of people in the world living on less than seven dollars a day, should be halved, the same, the number of people suffering hunger. Diseases such as AIDS and malaria should be stopped. The infant mortality rate for children under five should be reduced by two thirds and maternal mortality by three-quarters. ”

Most thoughtful is the message from Ib Olsen, who at that time was in Romania as a contact for Romania Aid:

I sit here and think that some of my “clients” have been subjected to municipal water into their grounds, but there are water meters, so they are not interested in letting neighbors take water.
In theory, all have access to water because they can just go into town and buy it. That is if they have money to buy for.

Denisa’s father just had surgery for something in the stomach. The surgery was free, but they had to borrow money to anesthesia, radiology, etc. (and also a little bit to the doctor!). He was then sent home with a prescription for some medicine he had to take the next 14 days, but he has not had it, because they didn´t have the money.
Denisa asked – one day I was there – if I would buy some food for them because they had nothing to eat for Easter.

Last week I saw a family I know who was in the process of digging a new hole for their privy. What else could they do when they have only got one water tap at the corner of the plot?
Such a privy is incidentally not something that worries so much, but of course anyone was little envious of my bathroom with plenty of hot water, and a lot of people over the years has been allowed to take a bath here.

Of course the situation is much worse elsewhere in the world, but we are, after all, within the EU here in Romania.

Greetings Ib.

My answer to Ib was that I fully understand his frustration and I hope the association indirectly helps his Rumanian project through the surplus goods from Lianes Bazar. We all know that close to us there are also people who are in need. It is a coincidence that we are some people who once was presented to Liane’s desire to make a difference in Ghana. Her enthusiasm was – and is – fantastic and therefore it was natural for her friends and acquaintances to support her ideas and wishes. None of us have been disappointed; on the contrary, we sometimes ask ourselves how it happened that From Heart to Hand has grown so fast that we can hardly keep up.
We are certain this is due to Liane and Ben’s commitment and their ability to communicate what they are doing and what they want.

April month has been terrific for From Heart to Hand.
New members, loyal sponsors, many donations to Christiana’s children and donations for the construction. It makes us so grateful that we get so much support. At the same time, we have been donated 5,000 kr. from Serapion – even without applying!
Rotary has through an aid fund received 15,000 kr. to FHTH. Both donations will be spent on construction.

We are impressed and proud of the locally awareness of FHTH´s work in Ghana and to Caritas and Rotary, thank you so much for money.
From Agidon and Lisbet Hansen’s event “Walk for Water” FHTH was donated 1,250 kr. We have already sent the money to Ghana, so they can continue the building project.
Ditte is working faithfully with continuous updates of the website and we try weekly – more or less successful – to update all facebook pages.
In Lianes Bazar we are fortunate that Lianes grandmother has given us a free showroom in Bredgade 64. Now, we no longer need to say no to good fleas because of lack of space. A big thank you to the grandmother and the friendly shop owner!
We welcome the growing number of customers that find their way to Lianes Bazar. Thanks for this support through both buying from us and the delivery of fleas. And warm thanks to all the faithful and tenacious volunteers.
Thank you all for being there for From Heart to Hand – and for others!
We can not help everyone, but we can all help!

Please look forward to reading Lianes report below:

Website: www.fromhearttohand.dk
Please remember the code to the reports: zztop55 Username word: bruger
Meet From Heart to Hand and Lianes Bazar on facebook. .
German facebook page: www.facebook.de / FHTHde

Membership and sponsorship can be agreed on: contact@fromhearttohand.dk or paid at Lianes Bazar.
The membership can be paid into the association’s account at Spar Nord: 9028-457-18-99286
DKK 150 for an individual, 250 per. household, DKK 500 for associations, DKK 1000 for firms.
Please remember half price in Lianes Bazar the last working day of the month.
Vouchers for the association can be obtained in Lianes Bazar or the association’s address.
We accept all kinds of bric-a-brac and we can pick up larger things. (50 42 49 77)
If there are specific things you want us to get from Ghana, please contact us.
To those of you that get the newsletter and report sent by mail, please let us know your email address.

From Heart to Hand Ghana

Newsletter March and April 2015

We have a very special relationship with all our families in FHTH, it is not professional as someone might think it’s more family-related, personal, full of love – we feel that now in a way we have never noticed before. I am not even sure that we were even aware of it before. FHTH has lost one of the families’ mothers. Christiana has left seven children living at home. We have followed the children closely since their mother passed away on 20^th of March. We have done everything in our power to comfort, support, keep our heads clear and create a bit of peace in all the chaos. The children have shown us confidence, and it has been very clear that we (in addition to their mother, of course), is the closest they have.

Our work is overwhelming, demanding, often tiring and frustrating but it is worth it every day
Thank you for your faithful support, and an additional thank you to all of you who sent a gift to Christiana’s children during this difficult time- Without your help our work will not be possible.

The construction project is slowly getting started again. The walls are plastered and floors are being casted. We paint window- and door frames, and before long the doors will arrive  from the carpentry workshop.
We still need support in order to complete the huts and toilet building. If you, someone you know, your workplace, club, or gallery might have an interest in supporting the project please come forward. Read more about the construction project on our website or facebook page.

The car has unfortunately once again broken down. This time, several mechanics all think that we should replace the engine. It is a large unexpected expense, and with our tight budget (as many people know  all money as possible should go to the children directly), we need help:
The engine + transport and wages will cost 6,000 kr.
All donations large or small are very welcome. We can make it if we help each other.
Thank you to Alberte, who has been a volunteer with us the last four months.
Drama Teacher, Bolette and four students from the folk high school, should have been with us two weeks in May, but they have unfortunately been unable to come due to illness.
In June, we are lucky that Annelise returns to Ghana to visit us, we look forward to that.

If you, or if you know someone who could have an interest in working as a volunteer at FHTH Ghana in 2016, please look at our website for further details, or email us.

Our families:

Family no. 1:
Mother: Sidonia Dagaar
Children: Ernestina, Kwabena Joseph, Akosua Mary, and Kwaku Emmanuel.

Ernestina was living with us at the center in the Easter holidays. She is very shy, but opened up more to us and told among other things a lot from her tough childhood. She travelled across the country to find work when she was 12 years old and worked for only 1 kr. a day. Later she moved in with a man, her mother had told her it was her father. He treated her really badly and she could not go to school. One day she contacted a private school who listened to her story and let her go to school for free. After 9th grade, she was lucky enough to meet her mother again after many years of separation through us. Now she goes to high school and dreams of a higher education. She told us, however, that the high school she goes to now in northern Ghana is not working very well, and she therefore wishes sincerely to move to a school in Kumasi, where we and her mother live. We will try to help her with this after this semester when the next school year starts.

Sidonia has for some time had it bad, and it is clear that she really tries hard to get things to stick together, now that the boys no longer come to the center. There is not enough money, they are hungry and on top of that it is difficult for her to control Kwaku and Kwabena.
We decided to let them move into the center for a period, as soon as one of the center’s rooms is ready. The boys must then move to the school where the center’s children also go and we can then better supervise this family in everyday life. It is clear to us that Sidonia need support to make every day work.

Family no. 2:
Mother: Olivia Owusu (Yaa)
Child: Viola Owusu (Vera)

It is going very well for Yaa in her store, and she now has three girls on an apprenticeship. We talked with her about Viola, and that it is important that she also takes the time to be with her and to help at the center. Now things are much better and although she has long days, she is happy about the things she does and she is really proud of the store.
Vera is doing well and has been very happy with the new school. She has a lot of homework every day, but she loves it. Vera is seven years d. 22 May She is one of those who have been with FHTH right from the start. See photos from then to now, around her birthday on our facebook page.

Family no. 3:
Children: Enock Akrugu and Samuel Akrugu

Enock and his entire class have moved into the school, where they will stay to be able to read more intensely until starting their diplomas in June. It’s new and exciting and Enock is optimistic regarding the exams.

Samuel is doing well at the boarding school. In his Easter holiday he travelled to northern Ghana to visit his mother and the other family. He had a good trip and was happy to talk about it all, when he returned to the center.

Family no. 4:
Father: Kofi Boakye
Mother: Afia Badu
Children: Kofi Frank Boakye, Yaa Akoto, Yaw Awuah, Evans Boakye and Akwasi Adjei.

All the children are well. Yaa spent her holiday with her grandmother, but the other children were at home. The father in unemployed. He hasn’t started anything new after we took the sandals from him. He drinks too much still. The mother is the one holding the family together and walks all over the market to sell gems.
Evans and Akwasi have become more open and talkative when we are visiting.
In the coming months Yaw is going to the hospital for a check up, but he is doing well, so it will probably go fine. He hates to go, it’s boring and not very fun having to have blood tests.

Family no 5: 

Mother: Christiana Serwaah
Children: Lucy Amankwa, Stephen Amankwa, Felicia Amankwa, James Amankwa, Elizabeth Amankwa, Philippa Amankwa, Nana Emmanuel Amankwa (Kwaku).

It came as a great shock to us all. Even a bigger shock for the seven children as they on March 20th lost their mother, Christiana.
For many years Christiana had suffered from a chronic disease in the spleen. It was not until we took her to the doctor last year that they found what was wrong with her. Before that she did know that something was not correct, but didn´t know what it was. She started on her medication, but still she didn´t take the disease seriously, and several times she didn´t show up at the hospital as agreed.
March 19^th in the evening she was on her way home in the bus, when she suddenly started throwing up blood. She was hospitalized and Stephen, the eldest son was called. She died that night with Stephen at her side. We met up with Stephen and Christiana’s siblings the next morning at the hospital. We were with them all day, when Christiana’s husband and his family were informed and when Christianas other six children received the sad news. It was so terrible and heartbreaking. We have cried with them countless times since then, and as I sit here writing I still weep. It is so unbelievably hard and unfair for these poor children. The two eldest, Lucy and Stephen want all the children to remain in the home. It is a big decision, because it means a huge responsible to the eldest children. We have promised to help and support them in everyday life in the future and we therefore need your help to find additional sponsors for each of the children.

Family no 6:

Mother: Talata Felicia Kobina
Children: Harrote Kobina (Bebee) and Angela Kobina

Since after theChristmas holiday, we have not seen Talata at the center. Regularly we have visited her and Bebee, but each time it was only Bebee who was at home. One day Bebee told us that his mother had left for their hometown, and his aunts were looking after him. We tried to contact Talata on the phone, but without success. When she returned to Kumasi she called and we explained to her that she will have to inform us whenever she wants to travel. In the event that anything should happen to Angela it is not good if we don’t know where she is.
When the children went on Easter holiday, we decided that Angela should have a small vacation with her mother. Our goal is that Angela keeps good contact with her mother, so they will eventually build a better relationship. It’s just hard when the mother is not very co-operative and even more difficult for Angela because she sees her mother so rarely. Angela was looking forward to visiting her and told proudly all the other children at the center that she was going home to her mother. As soon as we parked the car at her mother’s house, Angela however changed her mind. She was upset and did not want to be there. Talata said she would come back to the center with Angela on Sunday, and I explained to Angela that she had to sleep four times, and then she would come back to the center again. It was a really difficult situation.
They didn´t show up on the Sunday, so next morning we drove out to them to pick up Angela. The mother had no explanation for why they had not come, and Angela was ready to come back to the center.
Bebee is almost never home, he plays around the area. It does not seem that Talata sees him a lot. She says that he will come home if there are problems or if he is hungry.
Last semester exams did not go that well for Bebee, and we have therefore called Talata and asked her to help him with homework every day and to spend more time with him at home.

Family no. 7:
Father: Kwabena Awuah
Mother: Mary Akomah
Children: Stephen Akwasi Sarpong, Francis Sarkodie Awuah, Stella Owusuaa and Liane Konadu.

The mother’s business is still very good, we are very pleased.
The mother has repeatedly expressed how much easier everyday life has become after she started working. An additional income has meant that the children now thrive much better and there is more time to be with the kids when they come from school, kindergarten and nursery.

Family no. 10:
Mother: Ama Bonsu
Children: Vicencia Gyasi Baye, Anthony Twuniasi, Akua Bonsu and Kojo Kliti

All the children are doing well and are happy to go to school / kindergarten. We have recently visited the family bringing gifts from one of the children’s sponsors. They were wild with joy. It’s always great to share, and to see the happy eyes of the children.

Family no. 12:
Mother: Georgina Atta
Children: Daniel Eshen, Magdalena Eshen, Habeku Eshen, Nehemiah Eshen
+ 4 older children.

All the children are doing well and now come regularly to school and kindergarten. It’s been a long time since we’ve visited the children at home, but we often see them in schools where they are always happy to see us.

Family no. 13:
Grandmother: Mary Adugyamfi
Grandchildren: Joyce Adugyamfi and Erica Adugyamfi.

Erica and Joyce really enjoy life at the boarding school. They are doing so much better and are always happy and welcoming us when we visit them at school. Before they were obviously frustrated, worried and far from welcoming to us when we visited them in the container, where they were alone and never had enough. Now they have been given the structure of their everyday, food is ready on time, and there are rules and guidelines. We were nervous about whether they could live up to the schools standards or not, but they have surprised us with really great exam results. We have told them how proud we are and they are very proud, too.
We are usually not fans of boarding school until after 9th grade, but in this situation it has clearly been the right decision. It’s wonderful to see how the aid helps.

Family no. 16:
Mother: Esther
Children: David and Liane

The children and Esther are doing well. Liane thrives and Esther takes her to the nurse once a month. Before long Liane will be 1 year old. Esther has been to the health insurance office to get Liane registered and we are so pleased about that. She has also been out to have Lianes birth certificate made, but since there are many mistakes (due to Esther cannot spell), we have promised to help her get it changed.
David is doing well and is happy in the new kindergarten. He’s always at full speed, and enjoying our attention when we are visiting.

Family no. 17:
Mother: Stargina Ama
Children: Nana Aquah Lord, Henry Obinim, Louis Obinim and Benedict Nhyira Appiah.
Grandson: Kobii

Most times we have visited the boys, they have been home alone. We try and advise the mother again and again, but it’s hard to know what else we can do to get her to understand that it is not good for children to be alone. The boys are fine, they attend school and are happy to go to school / kindergarten / nursery.

Family no. 18:
Mother: Doris Apana
Children: Benjamin Apana

In the recent period Doris has again had a difficult time. She has good and bad days, but after the holiday it has not been stable enough to start school again. Her medicine is once again changed and we sincerely hope that it will help. It is hard for us as we must constantly be on guard. When we see the symptoms, we make sure that Doris comes in and lies down, as rest helps, but also to spare the children.
Benjamin is doing well. He really enjoy the new school, and walks pleasantly off to the school bus each morning. “Goodbye, see you” he says, waving merrily. It’s wonderful. Benjamin is extremely sensitive, and he cries very easily. When he’s not crying, he is a fantastic little charmer.

Family no. 19:
Mother: Stella Antwi Asamoah
Children: Christabel, Kingsley, Kelvin Armstrong and Nana Aduah.

All the children came to the centre one day in Easter holiday. It was really nice, they enjoyed watching a little TV, and playing with all the center’s toys in the living room.
When school opened again after the holiday, Kingsley came in the morning, to ask for help to pay some school books and extra lessons. There is now only a month for him to write his diplomas. He is optimistic, focused and totally confident that it will go well.
The mother has started an English course through her church. She thinks it’s really exciting, and it’s great for us to see that she has interest in learning and understanding that it will be useful for her in the future.

Family no. 20:
Mother: Ama Francisca
Child: Liane Amponsah

Ama is still at home, she hasn’t got a job or a new apprenticeship. Last time we visited her, we explained that we will have to see an improvement, so that she can maintain her sponsorship. Ama definitely needs both economic and social support, but we also need to see that she is able to receive aid and that there is progress.
She called the day after apologizing, asked for forgiveness, and asked for help to get started with something again. We agreed to hold a meeting with her in the near future, to make it very clear about what the future should bring.
Liane is doing well and has for a long time not been sick. – This is pleasing us.
She is always very sad when we leave their place; she would like to come home with us. The situation is always really tough to get through, because we know that Liane and Ama would be able to get much better at the center.
We have often thought about letting them move into the center, but we are afraid that Ama will not fit in, along with the other residents. We help and support them therefore as best we can, in their own home.
Family no. 21:
Father: Thomas
Mother: Patience
Children: Joshua and Freda (Mume).

After Patience has stopped working at the center, she started selling eggs from the house where they live. Father Thomas has for some time not been able to work because the car he is driving has been broken. It has therefore economically been a tough time for the family, but they do not complain. Instead they are happy about what they have.
The children are well, they warmly welcome us when we visit them at school.

Family no 22: 

Grandma: Cicilia Owusuaa
Children: Akua Nhyira first
Akua Nhyira second

Rainy season has set in, and that means torrential rains with strong winds, mostly in the evening or at night. The grandmother and twin girls were asleep one late night as such a downpour began. With sheet metal on the roof the rain sounds more violent, but the grandmother thought there was another strange noise. Suddenly one wall collapsed, and the bricks fell out towards the street (thankfully). It is a miracle that nobody got hurt, but of course they were shocked.
They found shelter for the night with some neighbors, and next morning the grandmother began to look for a new place to live. She has now found a fine large room in a rental property, which is in much better condition. Her adult children have paid half the rent for five years, but she has now asked us for help to find the rest of the money, as she is afraid of being evicted if she does not soon pay the entire amount. The family is looking for 2000 kr. to be guaranteed a decent home for the next five years. If anyone would want to help, you are very welcome. You can also read more about the event on facebook page, where there is also a picture of the house.

The twin girls are well and thriving in the nursery. They are still very shy, but play well with other children in the nursery and in the house where they live.

Family no. 23:
Father: Kingsley
Mother: Esther
Child: Fredrick Osei

Fredrick is doing really good. He just turned two years and although it can be hard to see, we are still proud of his rapid development. He remains a bit behind, but when you consider his background, it is unbelievable that he has become such a fine and well functioning child.
Since the center’s children had been on vacation last month, we decided that Fredrick should wait to start at nursery to after the holiday, so he has not yet started.

We have not seen Esther at the center last month. She called one day to say that she has left to visit  some family. She also mentioned that she now plans to save money, so she can get an apprenticeship as a hairdresser. We doubt it, but hope for the best for her.

Family no. 24:
Mother: Doreen
Mother: Dorcas
Child: Stephanie

Doreen has been ill with a rash all over the body. We helped her to the doctor and paid the cost. She is now well again and she still go to all hospital agreements and each day she takes her medicine. There is a lack of HIV medication, and Doreen is fortunate that we have contacts at the hospital, which makes sure that she gets first. She only gets one month medicine at a time. Previously she got three months supply.
Dorcas has also been ill, but took herself to the hospital, and even found the money to pay for blood tests and medication. This was really fine. She still sells fruit in the area near where they live.
Stephanie is well and thriving in the nursery where she goes.