Talented kids from Jamestown and its environs on Saturday June 10, 2023 staged a Global Water Dances performance 2023 at the Goethe Institut in Accra. The beautiful piece of acts, drama and dance was used as an advocacy tool to advocate for safe water and sanitation and educate street-connected children about climate change and waste management.
The Executive Director of SCEF, Paul Semeh in a brief introduction of the project noted that, the dance title ‘Nye Awo’ was significantly chosen to represent mother earth and of the need to protect her to be able to provide us with continuous food, clean water and shelter.
He added that, the dance piece seeks to sensitize children and the community at large to the negative effect of water pollution on the environment and illustrate appropriate ways that can be used to create a safer environment and clean water bodies.
Nii Adu Ablefo 11, chief of Dome acknowledged the Street Children Empowerment Foundation and applauded the efforts of the children especially in taking part in such a delicate subject. He lamented that, fishermen are crying foul because they catch more waste than fishes, when they cast their nets. “This is a very worrying situation which needs urgent action”. He also pledged his utmost support for the campaign and encouraged the public to join the advocacy to make Ghana a better place.
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Board Chair of the Street Children Empowerment Foundation and Director of Sports at the University of Ghana, Legon entreated the gathering to be active participants and advocates, preaching the good news on clean water and climate change. He lamented that, if our actions as humans are not checked, the next world war would be a battle on pollution and safe water using the pollution of Spain’s groundwater reserves as a case study.
Renowned Environmentalist and Executive Coordinator of the Strategic Youth Network for Development, Ezekiel Chibeze reiterated that our actions are affecting the climate adversely. The change in weather pattens is impacting negatively on agriculture. which is a threat to food security.
The 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize award recipient for Africa, was thrilled to see the children sensitizing the public on issues of climate change. Adding that, getting the children involved in climate change awareness provides them with a unique opportunity to make their voices heard, as well as empowering them to be change agents in the fight against climate change.
The environmental fair, witnessed an exhibition of creative works from various NGOs such as, Nurture Nature, Act for Change, Say No to Single Use Plastic among others.
The Global Water Dances 2023, was beautifully graced by the Queen Mother of Mamprobi- Naa Obeye 1, Rotrary Club of Accra-Airport, Board members of SCEF, Director of Goethe Institut among other dignitaries.
By Saint Kyoobi