The visit by Comic Relief and British Airways to Naabans Foundation’s project community, Obaodaka, on May 15, 2024, was a significant opportunity for both parties to witness firsthand the impact of their support under the Civil Society Strengthening Programme Shifting Power (CSSP-#StP). British Airways has been an ardent fund raiser for comic relief. As such it was a great learning for the Crew to witness the various development initiative their funding has been channeled to.
The CSSP-#StP, an eight-year initiative implemented by STAR-Ghana Foundation and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), with funding from Comic Relief and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), aims to bolster the resilience and effectiveness of civil society actors in Ghana. Through grants and capacity strengthening, the programme supports organisations like Naabans Foundation in realising their goals.
During the visit to Oboadaka in the Suhum Municipal in the Eastern Region, Sarah Adjei, the Project Manager of CSSP-#StP, highlighted the importance of building strong systems with civil society organisations (CSOs) to access funding and effectively advocate for their communities.
“The support from Comic Relief and FCDO is instrumental in helping these organisations develop robust structures and policies, thus enhancing their competitiveness for funding,” she said.
Charlie Keech, Head of Partnership Management at Comic Relief, described British Airways as an amazing partner of Comic Relief that collects money onboard the planes, and were in Ghana to learn about the work of STAR-Ghana and the impact it is making in the community through its partner, Naabans, which can inspire others to raise more money.
She emphasised the partnership’s commitment to learning about the impact of their support and mobilising further resources to benefit communities like Oboadaka.
“The warm reception from the community leaders and residents demonstrated the appreciation for collaborative efforts aimed at sustainable development,” she said.
Traditional fanfare
The community of Oboadaka rolled out the red carpet for the partners with a grand traditional and cultural fanfare to welcome them to the town.
Amidst vibrant drumming, dancing and colourful attires, the community came together to express their gratitude for the transformational impact our partners support brought to the community through Naabans.
It was a beautiful and unforgettable celebration of unity, hope, and shared commitment to drive sustainable change.
Nana Abena Asomakyere 1, the Maawerehemaa of Oboadaka and Executive Manager of Naabans Foundation, outlined the organisation’s vision of fostering positive change in communities by providing essential resources and education opportunities.
She said, “The support from STAR-Ghana has been instrumental in advancing this vision.”
The Chief of Oboadaka, Bafour Okyere Fianko, expressed gratitude for the support received and pledged further collaboration to drive development initiatives in the community.
The presence of dignitaries, including representatives from surrounding towns, namely, Gogyease, Suhum Okanta, Aboabo, Kwamenakumi, Teacher Mante and Adimadim, the board of directors of Naabans Foundation, and officials from the Municipal authority, and local leaders, underscored the collective commitment to progress.
Commissioning of projects
The visit also coincided with the commissioning of essential projects: a water project to provide potable water, and a library / computer lab for the Oboadaka M/A Basic School, along with the presentation of educational materials to pupils to further enrich the learning environment and enhance opportunities for growth.
Overall, the visit served as testament to the power of partnerships in driving positive change and fostering community development.
