As a natural sciences student and a long-time volunteer with AIESEC , a youth-led organization aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, I’ve become increasingly aware of my role as an environmental advocate. That’s what brought me to Elfacares Foundation. I discovered that the organization was engaging local children in environmental education, and I immediately knew this was where I wanted to contribute. But what I received in return went far beyond what I expected.

Joining the Elfacares Foundation Organization’s environmental education project was more than just volunteering; it was an opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, contribute to meaningful work, and grow both personally and professionally.

Welcomed by Ghana

Those first days in Ghana were filled with excitement, but also the natural apprehension of navigating a new culture alone. Coming from Brazil, I had to adjust to different customs, rhythms, and ways of life. Yet Ghana welcomed me with open arms. The kindness of the people, the vibrant markets, and the rhythmic beats of its music soon made me feel at home. Oh and the food, jollof rice and banku with okro soup have all my heart now.

Finding Purpose Amidst Challenges

When I arrived, I learned that the environmental club was struggling with engagement. That was my first real challenge, and my first valuable lesson. Engaging young people on environmental topics isn’t easy, especially when they are dealing with so many other pressing issues in their daily lives. It made me reflect deeply on how to make environmental education not just informative, but truly meaningful.

During my first week, I joined several of Elfacares Foundation’s other programs which includes Fit 4 Fun, Table Tennis, Happy Arts Club, Dzidéfo, and the Drum, Dance and Dream project. These experiences allowed me to connect with different children, gain a broader understanding of the community, and witness the organization’s powerful mission in action. 

Walking Toward Conservation

In my second week, I had a turning point. Raymond Amezado, Elfacares Foundation’s President, took me on a long walk through the Odaw River and the Achimota Forest, one of the last forest reserves in Accra. As we walked, he shared stories of his childhood memories in the forest, of exploring, playing, and feeling connected to nature. He spoke of his concerns about how deforestation, farming, camping, and even religious gatherings were threatening the forest’s future. It struck me deeply: how can we expect children to protect something they may never get to know?

From that moment on, I started working closely with both the Environmental and Arts Clubs to give the children not only information, but experiences. We talked about conservation and pollution, yes, but we also created moments they could feel, enjoy, and remember.

From Clean-Ups to Creativity

Over the following weeks, we held several impactful activities. We partnered with Mayekoo for a clean-up at Labadi Beach, and we took the kids on a trip to the Accra Zoo, where we discussed wildlife conservation and later created awareness signs that the Arts Club donated to the zoo.

Our activities blended education with creativity and critical thinking. We emphasized not just the community’s responsibility to nature, but its right to a healthy environment. We wanted the kids to see nature not as an abstract concept, but as something they belonged to and that belonged to them.

A Lasting Impact

This experience has changed me. I’ve learned about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of patience and adaptability. But more than anything, I’ve learned the power of presence, listening, observing, and sharing. I leave Ghana with deep gratitude and a heart full of unforgettable memories.

Thank you for reading. To anyone considering volunteering with Elfacares Foundation: take the leap. You won’t just give, you’ll grow. And you might just find a new version of yourself along the way.

Thank you for reading!

The post Global Impact: A Brazilian Volunteer’s Journey with Elfacares Foundation in Ghana first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

I joined as a volunteer, and one would think I sacrificed my time and resource but it is I who has been gifted a perfect gift that would stay with me forever. Among Elfacares Foundation’s many transformative programs, I was particularly drawn to the STEM project, which empowers young girls to break barriers in academics, conquer self-doubt, and defy gender stereotypes in science and mathematics. Weekend after weekend, we tackled both abstract and real-world problems, and with each class, I saw dreams blossom in the light of knowledge and simplicity.

But Elfacares Foundation’s impact goes beyond STEM, dreams are valid and no aspect is left out. Other programs that excited me areHappy Art Club, the Ball and Brain Program, and Women Empowerment Programs broadened my perspective on creativity, inclusion, and the boundless potential within every individual. These programs are not just activities; they are vehicles for transformation.

Being part of Elfacares Foundation has made me more than a volunteer—it has made me a light bearer. And for that, I look forward to yet another Elfacares Foundation experience

Thank you for reading!

The post Volunteerism: The Perfect Gift first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

More Than Just Soccer

At its core, our Boys Soccer Program has one ultimate mission: using football to promote education by reducing school dropouts and absenteeism. While it may seem like just a game, our approach ensures that our boys have strong mentors, dedicated coaches, and the right leadership to keep them engaged in both sports and academics.

In a community where education is often overlooked, and 4 out of 5 children either cannot read or are below grade level, school absenteeism and dropout rates remain alarmingly high. Can we truly blame a child for avoiding school when reading is a constant struggle? As Luke Parker wisely said, “If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll never be good at it.” Many of these kids have struggled to enjoy the classroom because learning to read felt like an uphill battle.

A Game-Changing Approach to Education

Elfacares Foundation took bold steps to bring education to life for these children. The result? A brand-new, two-unit STEM and literacy classroom block, fully equipped with:
✅ Air conditioning for comfort
✅ Whiteboard and projector for interactive learning
✅ Laptops for digital literacy
✅ A mini-library stocked with storybooks

Yes, you read that right—a beautiful learning space where both the environment and education inspire action. As the saying goes, “Beauty awakens the soul to act.” And it worked! The inviting classrooms drew children in, igniting a newfound enthusiasm for learning. From mastering the alphabet and phonetics to forming words and sentences, our boys embraced literacy with renewed confidence.

Celebrating Leadership Beyond the Classroom

The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of transformational. In 2023, Elfacares Foundation took things even further, gifting thousands of books to children as Christmas presents through the Dreams and Themes Christmas Party, reinforcing our Need to Read literacy campaign.

Now, the celebration isn’t just about football victories—it’s about academic achievements that change lives.

For the new school year, four boys from the Elfacares Foundation Boys Soccer Program have been elected as school prefects:
🏆 Two Senior Prefects
🏆 Two Assistant Prefects
🏆 Two Sports Prefects

These boys follow in the footsteps of Sena Amezado and Morris Dogbey, who also held leadership positions while in junior high school. Since the project’s inception, Elfacares Foundation has proudly seen five school prefects and three sports prefects emerge from our partner schools.

A Future Rewritten

Taking a child who once struggled to read and transforming them into a vocal, informed school leader—responsible for representing their peers—is nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a success story. It’s a movement. It’s proof that with the right support, every child can rise above their challenges.

Much like Obama’s iconic words, “Yes, we can.”

Children who were once on the verge of dropping out are now leading their schools, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Together, we are transforming lives.

This is what it means to win beyond the pitch.

Thank you for reading!

The post Winning Beyond the Pitch: From Dropout Risks to School Leaders first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

These children are often dedicated to spiritual altars, where their fates are determined by priests. Many are destined to serve as spiritual healers at local shrines for life. If their hair must be cut, it involves a ritual where the locks are placed in a mixture of herbs and water for healing purposes. In some cultures, such as the Igbo, children like Ahulu are considered reincarnated juju practitioners, revered for their spiritual power.

Despite these beliefs, Ahulu was still just a child—one who desperately wanted to attend school. However, the strict rules in Ghanaian public schools, which required all students to have short, clean-cut hair, prevented him from enrolling. His family, too poor to afford private school, left Ahulu at home while his siblings and friends went to school.

One day, a volunteer from the Elfacares Foundation Organization noticed Ahulu wandering around aimlessly and inquired why he wasn’t attending school. Ahulu expressed his desire to learn, sparking a movement within Elfacares Foundation. “Who are we to deny a Voodoo Child the opportunity to go to school?” the team asked.

However, convincing his parents was no small task. Deeply rooted in tradition, they were hesitant about sending their son to school, fearing the potential curses that might follow. After six months of discussion, the family gave Elfacares Foundation more time to think about it, but that turned into a year of persistent negotiations. Finally, Elfacares Foundation’s president volunteered to take on any curses that might arise from Ahulu attending school. Even then, it wasn’t enough. They had to hold conversations with voodoo priests and community members, convincing them that allowing Ahulu to go to school would not bring harm.

Once the community was on board, the next hurdle was finding a school willing to admit Ahulu. The owner of Jerremite International School was hesitant, fearing that other students might leave if their parents found out a “Voodoo Child” had enrolled. Elfacares Foundation assured him they would offer financial support if his fears came true. Reluctantly, he agreed, and Ahulu was finally able to start school in a small ceremony commemorating the day the Voodoo Child began his educational journey.

After several years, Ahulu’s hair was ceremonially cut in his father’s hometown in Togo. While Elfacares Foundation wasn’t involved in the process, they celebrated the development. However, there were still lingering concerns and conspiracy theories in the community about what the hair-cutting meant. Now attending a public school, Ahulu recently expressed to Elfacares Foundation’s president his struggles with reading due to his late start in school. He requested one-on-one tutoring, highlighting the challenges that come with breaking tradition and starting an education late.

The story of Ahulu speaks to a larger truth: religion and deeply held cultural beliefs can sometimes hold back progress in many African communities. Yet, discussing these issues is often seen as taboo. In the communities Elfacares Foundation serves, religion is the cornerstone of daily life, and questioning these beliefs can make one a social outcast.

To change this narrative, Elfacares Foundation focuses on exposing the younger generation to the world through reading, travel, and interaction with international volunteers who bring diverse perspectives and knowledge. The organization’s president, who has traveled to the USA, has worked tirelessly to challenge the social norms and stereotypes that hinder progress.

Without the efforts of Elfacares Foundation and its president, Ahulu would likely be serving at a shrine in his hometown. Instead, he’s attending school, pursuing an education, and striving to overcome the barriers of tradition. Ahulu’s story is one of sacrifice, persistence, and the power of education to transform lives. The gods, it seems, must also be educated.

Thank you for reading!

The post The Gods Must Be Educated: The Story of Ahulu, the Voodoo Child Who Went to School first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

Embarking on my first volunteering experience, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I didn’t know anything about Elfacares Foundation before joining the program, and I had never been to Africa, so this was a step into uncharted territory for me. With only ten days during the Christmas holidays to make an impact, I was both excited and a little daunted by the challenge ahead. Little did I know, these ten days would turn into one of the most inspiring journeys of my life.

I am Marco, I’m Italian, but I’ve been living in Spain for several years. I work in sales in the IT Sector and had the opportunity to live in different countries around Europe. I have two kids aged 9 and 11. I wanted to use my time during the holidays to do something meaningful. This was my first step into the world of international volunteering.

From the very first moments, I realized this experience would be nothing short of extraordinary. Arriving in the middle of the night, I was greeted personally by Raymond, the president of Elfacares Foundation, Randy, Head of Sports Programs and Joshua, Head of IT. Despite my luggage being lost, they patiently waited outside the airport for three hours while I tried to sort things out. Their commitment and kindness in such a situation left a lasting impression on me—it spoke volumes about their dedication not just to the organization but to every individual they work with.

One of the most striking aspects of Elfacares Foundation is its profound emphasis on shaping the next generation with principles that will guide them for a lifetime. It’s not just about providing support or resources—it’s about building character alongside education. The children are not merely passive recipients of help; they are active participants, learning how to contribute meaningfully to their community and beyond.

Through every interaction, it’s clear that the organization understands the importance of instilling values such as integrity, respect, and empathy. These lessons are seamlessly woven into every activity, from daily lessons to community engagements. The children are being equipped not only to dream but to make those dreams a reality.

What impresses me most is how much the entire community now embraces this work. In the early years, Elfacares Foundation faced the challenge of convincing parents of the value these initiatives could bring. Today, after years of dedication, the program is widely respected, and the entire community understands the importance of the work being done. 

This first impression set the tone for what have been an enriching and eye-opening journey.

As my journey with the program unfolded, one of the highlights was helping to organize the Christmas party. This event was more than just a celebration, it was a wonderful opportunity to see the spirit of the community come alive and to be a part of something truly special. Planning and preparing for the party was a team effort, and it gave me a chance to meet other volunteers and connect with the older kids from the football team who also pitched in to help. Their energy, dedication, and sense of responsibility were inspiring. They weren’t just participants in the program, they were role models for the younger children, stepping up to give back to the community that supports them.

The event itself was filled with joy and laughter, a reminder of how impactful simple acts of togetherness can be. Watching the children light up with excitement and seeing everyone come together to share in the festivities was a powerful moment. It emphasized the importance of building a sense of unity and belonging, values that Elfacares Foundation continuously fosters.

The standard of work and dedication within the organization is so high that I couldn’t help but feel like I didn’t contribute enough. However, this realization has only motivated me to find more ways to be helpful and to give back even more in the days to come. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute alongside this amazing team.

I also want to give a special thank you to Randy, the sports coordinator at Elfacares Foundation, who was by my side throughout this experience. I was fortunate to see firsthand how much the children respect him. His presence, both at the program and in the community, is truly inspiring. Walking around the neighbourhoods, I could feel the deep admiration the entire community has for him, which speaks volumes about the impact he has had on everyone.

Randy was instrumental in showing me different aspects of life during my time there. He took me to football and golf training sessions, allowing me to see how the kids not only develop their physical skills but also their sense of teamwork and discipline. He also walked me around various neighbourhoods, giving me a deeper understanding of the living conditions and challenges the community faces. Randy even took me on a cultural visit to the Memorial Park on Christmas Day, where he shared his extensive knowledge of Ghanaian history, which added even more depth to my experience. His dedication to both the children and the community is outstanding, and I feel truly fortunate to have learned so much from him.

Thank you for reading!

The post A Journey of Impact: My Volunteering Experience with Elfacares Foundation – Marco first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

Growing up in Europe has offered me many opportunities. However, we sometimes take basic things for granted: free access to education, drinking water, quality medical care for all, or financial security. This opportunity, many do not take advantage of it.

Ghana, where I settled, is a wonderful country, rich in its culture and its people. Ghanaians are warm, caring and benevolent. Despite this, some face immense challenges on a daily basis, including limited access to essential resources. It is in this context that I decided to get involved for a few months, with the hope of making my small contribution.

My first month at Elfacares Foundation was simply unforgettable. I had the chance to meet inspiring people, individuals with huge hearts, always smiling, who dedicate their lives to serving their community.

During my first two weeks, I discovered the diversity of initiatives led by Elfacares Foundation: the Golf & Goal project, the literacy program, environmental actions, football training, table tennis, Fit4Fun, and the Drum, Dance and Dream project. All these programs aim to offer young people opportunities for education and personal development.

A particularly memorable moment was my visit to the partner schools in the three main communities with which Elfacares Foundation works: Kisseman, Christian Village and Anumle. I had the opportunity to share a special moment with the children in their school environment. These moments of exchange, laughter and complicity were wonderful and deeply touched me.

Another project that particularly marked me is the Dzidéfo program. This club for young girls meets twice a week to encourage them to study, believe in themselves and be ambitious. I hope to be able to support them, inspire them to dream big, overcome their fear of failure and aim for the top.

As a physiotherapist, Elfacares Foundation also gave me the opportunity to launch a unique program. I am working on creating an injury prevention workshop for young athletes from different clubs (football, golf and table tennis). My goal is to give them simple tools to prevent injuries and better manage them when they occur.

A highlight of this first month was my participation in a community clean-up project. Together, Elfacares Foundation has set an example by encouraging the association’s children and residents to take care of their environment. These moments of collective action remind us of the importance of getting involved in preserving our living environment.

I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the annual Elfacares Foundation Dreams & Themes Christmas Project, organized by Elfacares Foundation Organization. This event gives children the chance to learn about environmental cleanliness through a cleanup activity, philanthropic education, and culminates in a grand Christmas celebration—a festive occasion that is often out of reach for many kids due to their underserved backgrounds. It’s a time for eating, drinking, celebrating, and recognizing the children who have actively engaged in the organization’s various projects.

I also want to highlight how Elfacares Foundation Organization ensures my happiness and fulfillment throughout this journey. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced as a member of their family. The constant support, kindness, and care they provide make this experience incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally.

What truly sets Elfacares Foundation Organization apart is the remarkable team spirit that fuels their work. Every member plays a vital role, and their seamless collaboration allows them to overcome challenges and make meaningful progress in extraordinary ways. Witnessing this collective effort in action is both inspiring and motivating.

This first month has been a profound life lesson. I am deeply grateful to have joined such an inspiring organization, and I look forward to continuing this adventure, learning, and contributing in my own way to Elfacares Foundation’s incredible mission.

Thank you for reading!

The post My First Month In Ghana With Elfacares Foundation – Edeline first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

Growing up in a small village called Kissehman—now an overcrowded slum in Ghana—Christmas was the one day I could count on a rare treat: a full bottle of Pepsi or Coke. My sister and I would wear our best clothes and head to my uncle’s house, where his wife cooked a special feast. That was the day I’d savor a whole chicken wing or, if luck smiled upon me, a drumstick

But the chicken thigh? That was untouchable—strictly reserved for the head of the family, my uncle. Any other day, a single chicken wing would be divided among four of us. To top it off, I’d finally get to drink a full bottle of soda instead of sharing one with my siblings. The adults, of course, drank Malt or something alcoholic, leaving us kids to relish our rare sugary indulgence.

Honestly, if it were up to me, Christmas in Africa should be renamed “Protein Day” or “Soda Day”—a time when many children experience the unmatched joy of eating a full chicken wing or drumstick and, if they’re lucky, nibbling on some chicken intestines (a reward for helping catch and prepare the bird).

Mind you, these chickens were skinny. Sometimes, I’d look at them and wonder if dehydration was their real plight. While my old neighborhood has seen improvements, for many children across the motherland, Christmas remains their only chance to enjoy such luxuries

Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or… Satan Cross?

Now, let’s talk about the elusive Father Christmas—our version of Santa Claus. Originally an English figure, Father Christmas became synonymous with Santa in modern times. Since Ghana was colonized by the British, we adopted “Father Christmas” as the preferred name.

Fast forward to my migration to the USA, where I kept hearing people talk about “Santa Claus.” With my Ghanaian accent, I misheard it as “Satan Cross.” Naturally, I was wary of this “Satan Cross” character, and for years, I avoided asking anyone about it. (Google wasn’t a thing back then, and even if it was, I wasn’t tech-savvy enough to use it.)

Eventually, I learned that Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, and Father Christmas were all the same jolly fellow. But while he was bringing gifts and joy to children in America, Australia and Europe, it struck me that he had never shown up for African kids.

Why Santa Never Comes to Africa

On a continent plagued by poverty, wars, and neglect, Santa—or Father Christmas—could have brought much-needed joy to children. But alas, he remains a no-show. If Santa were a woman, I’m convinced she’d be here out of compassion. Maybe we need a “Mother Christmas” or “Santa Chloe

In the meantime, here are the top reasons Santa skips Africa:

1. Santa is a Man
   Let’s face it—if Santa were a woman, African children would have gifts every year. Compassion isn’t Santa’s strong suit.
2. The Weather
   Santa thrives in the cold. Snow and frosty air keep his reindeer-powered sleigh running. Africa’s warm December weather? Not so much. The few African countries with winter-like climates in December happen to be predominantly Muslim. Let’s just say, Santa might not receive the warmest welcome there.
3. No Chimneys
   Santa relies on chimneys for stealthy entry. Most African homes don’t have them, making it logistically impossible for him to deliver gifts. Maybe Africa needs a chimney initiative before Santa considers us.
4. Lions and Other Predators
   Imagine Santa’s sleigh breaks down in the savannah, and while he’s fixing it, a lion shows up, eyeing his reindeer for dinner. Or maybe he lands in a village and can’t figure out how to enter a house. Santa wouldn’t risk becoming lion food just to make African children happy. Besides, his U.S. schedule is too important. Could you imagine an American Christmas without Santa, all because of African kids? The backlash would be intense, with sanctions likely imposed on Africa.

In conclusion, while Santa Claus—or Father Christmas—brings immense joy to kids in other parts of the world, his absence in Africa is palpable. Perhaps one day, we’ll have our own version of Santa who braves the heat, sidesteps lions, and delivers joy to children across the continent. Until then, we’ll keep celebrating Christmas as our “Protein Day” or “Soda Day” and cherishing the small but meaningful traditions that make the holiday special.

This Christmas, you can be Father Christmas for hundreds of underserved children. Spread joy by donating here: https://givebutter.com/nbomkt. Thank you for making a difference!

Thank you for reading!

The post Why Santa Claus (Father Christmas) Never Visits Africa (2nd Edition) first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

After nine successful months of the NeedToRead project, we would like to shine a light on two of the students. The one boy, Francis, attended the Brain Class three times weekly, and Lancy was part of the Literacy Class at Aggrey Basic School in Anumle.

Nevertheless, let’s start from where it all begun.

When Jorin and I arrived in early September, the NeedToRead project was on hold due to the unavailability of volunteers. Soon we discovered that we both wanted to revive this project, and soon it became a project close to our hearts. We decided to create two classes: the Brain Class, which is the counterpart to Elfacares Foundation’s football training (Ball & Brain) and the Literacy Class in the government school Aggrey Basic School. Even though the classes took place at different times and places, the start was the same. The first step was research. We spent almost a month gathering information and broadening our knowledge. I mean, we can both read, but we both didn’t know how complex the structure of the English language can sometimes be. So we also learned about topics like silent-e, digraphs, r-controlled vowels, and vowel teams for the first time. Apart from the technical stuff, we also got a lot of advice from our CEO, Mr. Senyo Sosu, who is a former teacher. 

After we collected and organized all our data, the next step was to assess the kids. So we tested their abilities at sounding out the letters and reading simple words. Honestly, it’s scary when an eleven-year-old child can’t pronounce the letters correctly. So we analyzed the gathered data and put together three classes. One was the Brain Class, which is held three times a week, which Jorin and I taught together. The other two were at the school, where we both taught alone five times a week in the morning.

So, in October 2023, we started both classes. The first two weeks consisted mostly of us adapting to the class and the teaching in general. I mean, overall, it was the first time that we taught a class every day. Another obstacle was the language. Although everybody in the classroom spoke English, communication sometimes got difficult due to the different pronunciations of words and the limited vocabulary. While progress in the beginning was slow and there were setbacks, we pushed our way through. We were able to widen our knowledge even more and put together efficient techniques, methods, and games to make the lessons fun but nevertheless sufficient. 

After a few months, we could see improvement in every student at different scales. With each topic we dealt with, not only their reading skills but also their confidence in themselves increased. It’s phenomenal to see that somebody who couldn’t tell you the sound of the letters a few months ago can now read texts with grammatical issues almost without help. Realistically speaking, we have to add that they are still not at the level at which they should be according to their age, and they read slowly and still struggle in class. However, we were able to lay the foundation and are building on it. 

Like I mentioned in the beginning, we want to present you with two examples:

Francis, who has attended our Brain Class for 9 months now, mentioned 9 out of 26 letters correctly in the first assessment. Apart from that, he read 2 out of 7 words without a mistake. After completing the Brain Class we let him do the same assessment again. And the result is heartwarming. 26 out of 26 letters and 10 out of 10 words. We are beyond proud of his effort and his success. He told us that even though he still has problems in school, he tries to read the exercises and texts. And that is amazing because we often heard his “I don’t know.” or “I can’t read this!” in class. Overall, the mindset is as important as his already-learned skills. 

Lancy on the other side also showed great progress. In the first assessment, he indeed scored 25 out of 26 letters but read no word correctly. Because he is a student at Aggrey Basic School, he attended the Literacy Class there and came to class every day. Now, after nine months, we let him do the assessment again. And he was able to say all the letters without any mistakes and only read one word incorrectly. 

What an improvement! Now we have changed the system of the class to one-on-one sessions. It’s adorable to see that he almost always comes on time (and not ghana time 😉 ) and is eager to continue reading and practicing.

These testimonies not only encourage us to keep trying to bring the other students to the same level but also show the achievements of Elfacares Foundation’s work.

So indeed, “Short words are too easy”.

Thank you for reading!

The post “Short words are too easy” first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

The event was a national event that brought together junior golfers from all parts of Ghana to compete at the Achimota golf course. Afi Amezado represented the Elfacares Foundation Organization along with sixteen other children from the Elfacares Foundation Golf & Goal project.

Afi clinched the prize by overcoming fierce competition from other standout performers in the hole-18 matchup. She had some thankful words for her trainers and what is keeping her motivated to become the best version of herself.

“I am very grateful to God and excited for the opportunity to be among the winners of this award (GGA Junior Open best girl). This wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of my coaches and trainers as well as the support of the Elfacares Foundation Organization” Afi said. “I have always dreamt of becoming the biggest golf star and I think this is just the beginning and all these things just keep me motivated for the journey of the future” She added.

Afi Amezado is the first child of a family of five (5) children who aren’t well-to-do. She has been a protégé of the Elfacares Foundation Organization ever since she was born and has shown great signs of becoming the best golfer of her time if given the right guidance and resources. Afi is a multi-talented child who doesn’t limit her abilities by sticking to just one field. She is a member of the Elfacares Foundation Website design class, and female soccer team, she can dance, and do a whole lot more. She strives for the best at all times so she can become the source of hope for her family as well as every young up-and-coming child from the Kissehman community.

The Elfacares Foundation Organization was honored to have two winners on the day as Paulo Quarshie won the GGA Junior best Under-10 player after clinching the first spot in the short course competition.

Paulo Quarshie is one of the youngest golfers from the Elfacares Foundation Golf & Goal project who has over the years shown a great knowledge of the game of golf. His understanding of the game transcends what a child at his age should be preview to, but adequate preparation and good work ethic saw him lift the award for the best Under-10 player.

GGA is the abbreviation for Ghana Golf Association. The GGA is mandated to promote the game of Golf in Ghana, both Amateur and Professional; regulate all attributes pertaining to golf, inclusive of interclub’s disputes, and enforcing the rules of Golf in accordance with the rules of the World Ruling Body, Royal and Ancient (R&A) of St Andrews, Scotland. They also hold the Juniors Open for young golfers all over the country as a developmental project.

The Elfacares Foundation Organization has also contributed its quota to the development of the game of golf in Ghana. Elfacares Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is comprised of a dynamic group of individuals of different backgrounds, age groups, race, and educational backgrounds with a common goal to uplift, inspire, and provide resources to underserved children across Africa, starting from Ghana. There are different programs opened to engage children in the Anunmle Electoral Area like the Ball & Brain, STEM project, and the Golf & Goal project among others. Through the Golf & Goal project, the Elfacares Foundation Organization has developed over 100 talents who have gone ahead to win many national championships since its inception.

Senyo Sosu, CEO of the Elfacares Foundation Organization, talks about how far the Golf & Goal project has come and how Afi Amezado and Paulo Quarshie’s success at the tournament is going to ignite the flame of the project and push everyone to work a step harder.

“The Golf & Goal project has been in inception for over 5 years at the Achimota Golf Club and we use this medium to dismantle the perception that, the talented poor child cannot play golf. We also try to combine academics with playing the game of golf which is why we named the project Golf & Goal” Senyo said. “Seeing Afi and Paulo excel at such a high level only urges us to even go the extra mile of pushing these kids to the best of their limits so they can attain their goals of becoming professional golfers in the world” He added.

Thank you for reading!

The post AFI AMEZADO WINS BIG first appeared on Elfacares Foundation.

The tournament will be hosted by Africa Footballers Connect in partnership with the Elfacares Foundation Organization. Other major partners include KitAid UK and Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust.

The tournament was initiated when the Sinnott Jerseys were donated to the Elfacares Foundation Organization by KitAid UK. Derrick Williams, the founder and CEO of KitAid UK, gave the go ahead for the tournament to be staged when he was contacted by Raymond Amezado, the President of the Elfacares Foundation Organization.

In an interview with the organizer of this year’s tournament, Sadique Walker (Chief Operating Officer, Elfacares Foundation organization and CEO of Africa footballers connect), he mentioned the essence of organizing such a tournament, “is to create an eternal memory for the man (Jordan Sinnott) and also use this opportunity to promote African football and create opportunities for African talented footballers”.

Sadique Walker added that this tournament is to also celebrate how great of a person Jordan Sinnott was and to raise awareness about his tragic and untimely death, as they don’t want anyone to suffer a similar fate.

Jordan Sinnott died in hospital after suffering a fractured skull and brain damage following the assault in Retford, Nottinghamshire, on 25 January 2020. His killers have since been jailed for 11yrs.

Over sixty (60) teams declared their intention to feature in this year’s tournament but we had to cut down the number since it is our first year organzing the event. The hope is to have more participants in subsequent tournaments.

The maiden edition of the tournament will include four (4) teams who will battle it out to win jerseys donated by KitAid by European teams with a customized Sinnot name as well as jerseys from teams Jordan Sinnott featured for.

The winner goes home with these beautiful “Sinnott” branded jerseys and a ball, and a slot to play in an international scouting tournament later this month. The second position also gains a slot to play in the scouting tournament, plus all other benefits.

All four teams will have analyzed soccer advice from a European Talent Identification expert, network, and promotional opportunities on all our social media handles.

The hope is for this tournament to become a yearly event as a means to continue the legacy of Jordan Sinnott. Besides the prizes, the tournament will be used to talk about the tragedy of Jordan Sinnott and the similar happenings in our communities and country, what we can do as citizens to make the world a safer and a better place for all. 

Since this is going to be a competition, every team will strive to win the ultimate and as humans, as we are, we are bound to err one way or the other which may result in hooliganism. The organizer of the tournament explained briefly, how they intend to curb such a situation.

“What we have started with is to get involved with managers of the teams that are going to participate and we have had discussions with them that this is not a competition where they have to worry about winning but rather, we want the love to flow,” Sadique Walker said.

The passing of Jordan Sinnott is an unfortunate one, and by playing this tournament, we hope to put smiles on the faces of his loved ones, especially his fiancée, Kelly Bossons, and daughter, Maisie.

Thank you for reading!

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