The Hope for Life Project in Accra has launched its 40th Anniversary with an appeal for Christians to continue supporting efforts to empower Persons with Disabilities in our society.
At a holy Mass to commence the Anniversary at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish at Awoshie, Rev. Fr. Richard Anobel, reminded the faithful to look up to God in every situation and charging the PWDs to never lose hope.
Reflecting on the on the Gospel of the day, the Priest entreated the faithful never to lose hope in God, noting that He always inviting us to trust in His providence.
He urged the faithful to extend a hand of support to empower persons with disability in our society.
The President of the Association, Mr. George Kyei, who together with Fr. Anobel launched the anniversary, commended the Catholic Church especially the Society of African Missions (SMA) Ghana Province for their contributions in starting the Hope for Life project.
He acknowledged the founding fathers and the great difference the project has contributed to the lives of hundreds of beneficiaries and mentioned Fr. Pius and Bro. Pascal Torsenu for their support.
The Hope for Life project which started in December 1986 at Queen of Peace Parish, Madina by Fr. John, SMA with a couple of PWDs, has now grown to 800 members and 18 branches in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Central Regions.
As part of efforts to sustain the Association, established a bakery and mushroom at Gbawe Zero in the Weija Municipality in Accra.
The President of the Hope for Life has over the years supported several beneficiaries to acquire essential trade skills, to setup self-help project as well as offering psychosocial support, facilitating surgeries and medication for PWDs.
As part of the anniversary, which is on the theme: “Empowered Together, Celebrating the Association’s Journey and Achievements,” the organisers have outlined a number of programmes including Media Engagements, Exhibition, Dinner and Fundraising.
Other activities are cleanup exercise, Durbar and Appreciation events to celebrate the collaborators who supported the Hope for Life initiative over the years.
The Administrator of the Hope for Life Association, Ms. Stephanie Amartey recounting the impact the Association has made in the lives of persons with disabilities with hundreds of beneficiaries becoming self-reliant.
She noted that some beneficiaries have become Teachers, Cobblers, Artisans, Dress makers, with others acquiring trade skills soap and bead making as well as farmers among others.
She thanked the benefactors of the Hope for Life Association for their support over the years. She also commended the two SMA lay missionaries who are offering care kids with disabilities among other interventions.
