Street Academy Holds End-of-Year Party for Over 400 Underprivileged Children

The Street Academy, a sports and cultural non-governmental organisation, held its end-of-year party for more than 400 underprivileged children at the Academy’s premises at the Accra Arts Centre. The event formed part of the Christmas celebrations organized for children, many of whom are picked from the streets and supported through formal education and other initiatives.

The children were treated to a variety of local dishes, making it a moment of joy and celebration. This year’s edition marked the 25th anniversary of the annual programme, according to the Executive Director of the Academy, Ataa Lartey, who emphasized the importance of continued support from individuals and organisations to provide the children with a decent life.

“The initiative is to make the children feel valued and included in society. We might not be their biological parents, but it is our responsibility to help them grow, to shape and nurture them,” Mr. Lartey told the media.

He further disclosed that the Academy has lined up additional activities on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1), as part of a broader effort to support families who lack the means to care for their children during the festive season.

Beyond feeding, the programme aims to nurture children into responsible citizens. Past beneficiaries include Abraham Mensah, a silver medallist for Ghana at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and former world boxing champion Joseph Agbeko, both products of the Academy.

For academically talented children, the Academy provides support for formal education through partnerships with several schools. The Street Academy is a three-year bridge programme that prepares children for mainstream education, vocational training, and training in sports and culture. The programme is entirely free, providing books, uniforms, and two meals a day to participants.

Dr. John David Arnold, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Portable Practical Educational Preparation Inc. (PPEP), a longtime sponsor of the Academy, highlighted his organisation’s support in developing the Academy’s infrastructure and providing monthly financial assistance to ensure the welfare of the children.

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