FAQS
WHO?
Project OKURASE is being conducted by three major partners:
- Nkabom Artist and Craftspeople Association, an NGO based in Accra, Ghana
- Family Services Research Center of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina
- Gethsemani Circle of Friends, a nonprofit from North Charleston, South Carolina
Many people and organizations from around the world are joining together to carry out this vision including the city of Totnes in Southwestern England, led by Mayor David Horsburgh; MAP International; The National Association of Homebuilders in America, Ms. Shirlese Locke from Chicago, Illinois; Honourable Sintim-Aboagye, Municipal Chief Executive of West Akyem Municipal; and the people of the village of Okurase. Project OKURASE is a global partnership and belongs to all of us.
WHAT?
Project OKURASE is the vision of Samuel Nkrumah Yeboah (also known as Powerful) and the people of Ghana. It will be carried out by a Ghanaian/American Collaboration with partners from around the globe. Project OKURASE is actually a vision, a dream, and a model for caring for the world's most vulnerable children- those impacted by HIV/AIDS. We fully expect to touch the lives of children who are orphaned due to other reasons than HIV/AIDS. The Project involves building a Centre in Okurase, Ghana. This Centre, to be called the Nkabom Centre for Skills Training and Formal Education, will be a resource for job training and formal education for orphans and vulnerable children. Nkabom is an Ashanti word that means bringing together.
WHERE?
Project OKURASE is more than a place. It is in the hearts and minds of people from around the globe, the work is being pioneered at the Centre location in Okurase, Ghana, in the West Akyem Municipal of the Eastern Region of Ghana.
WHY?
In Africa, the AIDS pandemic is threatening to take away an entire generation, and is currently placing millions of children in a dangerous, vulnerable situation. Millions of children in Africa are living on the streets without basic essentials like adult guidance, parenting, family, food, water, and shelter. Living on the streets places children at risk of experiencing traumatic emotional events and physical harm. In addition, street life also contributes to malnutrition and disease. Street children are highly vulnerable to contracting and spreading HIV.
People in Africa know best how to solve their own challenges, but the resources to carry out the African vision are limited. Partnerships that respect the culture and intellect of the African people and provide a joining of minds, hearts, and resources to carry out African visions are the most likely to have long-term success. To solve the AIDS problem, there is a great need for formal education, job training, adequate medical care, and families to raise orphaned children.
The country of Ghana is rising to the challenge to save and protect its children. Project OKURASE is a direct result of this African vision.
WHEN?
Project OKURASE is an ongoing vision that will carry on past the building of the Nkabom Centre. In March 2008 the groundbreaking will be held and Nkabom Centre will begin to be realized.
HOW?
Project OKURASE is coming to fruition through UNITY. Globally people are coming together to raise the funds for Nkabom Centre through hard work and a shared vision.
