Reflections of a Week in Celebration

Issah, Gifty and Rose look over
Stories From The Streets

From the walk, to the book launch and then the homecoming celebration, we have had quite an extraordinary week. One of the biggest delights that I had was watching the Street Girls Aid staff looking through Stories From The Streets and finding a photo, or a statistic or a story that made them smile. As we sat on the steps, Issah, Rose and Gifty ran through the names and stories of some of the girls featured in the book and reminisced.

These lovely book bags made by the girls in the
S.Aid commemorative fabric
will be available for a limited time

  

Mary reviews the facts in Stories From The Streets
in this photo she is reading about why children
come to the streets.

In the sewing room where we were picking up our outfits and book bags made from the commemorative fabric, Mary, reviewed the statistic tables about street children and then read them aloud to the others listening.

The C/Kathys were mistaken for twins
and here with Vida triplets

 And then at the homecoming, some of the women featured in the book conducted a mentoring workshop for the girls currently in the refuge offering firsthand hope and inspiration. The energy and celebration activities were electric and joyous.

One of Cathy Smith's highlights included the recognition of staff, this clip demonstrates the approval of the girls when Ma Rose received her award.

We have so many things to share from this exceptional trip and I would like to leave you with this thought - when you purchase the book Stories From the Streets, you are supporting Street Girls Aid and their work. If you want to host a book gathering, a reading, a book signing, in a library, your home, your church or community group - we will be happy to create those opportunities - so please ask away, I can assure you that you will be glad you did. Be looking for more information about events at locations near you, and send a message using the contact form to invite someone to come to your community and share the multi-faceted book, behind the scenes videos and lots of extra goodies.

Street Girls Aid, "Serving Street Children - Impacting Generations"

Street Girls Aid, The Rotarian Magazine and a Beautiful Moment

Today Cathy Smith and I had the privilege of witnessing the reactions of the Street Girls AID staff as they read the August 2014 edition of The Rotarian Magazine written by Diana Schoberg with photos by Glenna Gordon featuring themselves, their friends and colleagues. It was a beautiful moment. Here's some photos...enjoy...tomorrow is a huge celebration at Street Girls Aid - so stay tuned for more about what is happening here - including some photos from the successful book launch...

And after Issah thoroughly enjoyed reading The Rotarian article, he stopped to pose with the book Stories From The Streets, featuring a photo that he took as the cover - more about the book and the book launch next, just wanted to give you a little something to look forward to...

You can still be involved in the activities by supporting Street Girls Aid, purchasing Stories From The Streets or by simply making a donation. For more about the 20 year legacy of Street Girls Aid "like" their Facebook page by clicking here. To contact Vida Asomaning Amoako,  the Executive Director of S.Aid e-mail her at streetgirlsaid@yahoo.com to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in the lives of street children.

Rotary Fun in Accra

Cathy, Theresa and Kathy

Today we got to have some fun at the Rotary Club of Accra's President's lunch, which is an event happening all over the world in preparation for the start of the new Rotary year which begins July 1st. The club's accomplishments were summarized and the lively discussion kept the members at the meeting for close to 3 hours. It was fun to listen and learn and reflect on the many similarities between Rotary Clubs
globally.

This seafood salad was waiting for
me after the meeting

We were able to connect with some old friends from the club, some of whom I first met in 2003 when leading a Group Study Exchange Team, and we met new friends, some of whom will be attending the Celebration and Book Launch tomorrow evening. I am getting really excited for tomorrow night! In the morning we will head over to Street Girls Aid to meet with Vida and her team - so much anticipation - stay tuned for updates tomorrow and some surprises. Until then here are a few pictures...

Alex on the far left hosted Kevin, a GSE Team
member when we were in Ghana

Sam and Cathy

To get connected with the activities:

The next event, on June 30th continues to highlight the impact of the organization at the book launch of Stories From The Streets a newly published book which features twenty stories of children who were impacted by Street Girls Aid. To get your copy from Amazon click here.

The 20th Anniversary Walk

Getting ready for the launch

The book launch coincides with the 20th Anniversary cocktail party and many of the contributors to the book will be on hand for a book signing and story telling. Completing the week of activities will be a grand homecoming celebration on July 2nd. For more information about the book launch click here.

You can still be involved in the activities by supporting Street Girls Aid, purchasing Stories From The Streets or by simply making a donation. For more about the 20 year legacy of Street Girls Aid "like" their Facebook page by clicking here. To contact Vida Asomaning Amoako,  the Executive Director of S.Aid e-mail her at streetgirlsaid@yahoo.com to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in the lives of street children.

Over 200 Feet For 20 Years

 On Saturday, women, children and men took to the streets of Ghana for Street Girls Aid's 20th Anniversary Charity Walk to recognize the work of S.Aid. It was the goal of the organizers to have 200 feet on the streets walking and sharing the event theme "Together In Empowering Street Children For National Growth" and the numbers of walkers exceeded the expectations and included organizations serving street children, supporters, staff and street children. After the walk a celebration was held at the S.Aid refuge and training center.

The walk kicks off a week of celebration activities recognizing the work and accomplishments of Street Girls Aid; the staff and the children served. The next event, on June 30th continues to highlight the impact of the organization at the book launch of Stories From The Streets a newly published book which features twenty stories of children who were impacted by Street Girls Aid. To get your copy from Amazon click here.

The book launch coincides with the 20th Anniversary cocktail party and many of the contributors to the book will be on hand for a book signing and story telling. Completing the week of activities will be a grand homecoming celebration on July 2nd. For more information about the book launch click here.

You can still be involved in the activities by supporting Street Girls Aid, purchasing Stories From The Streets or by simply making a donation. For more about the 20 year legacy of Street Girls Aid "like" their Facebook page by clicking here. To contact Vida Asomaning Amoako,  the Executive Director of S.Aid e-mail her at streetgirlsaid@yahoo.com to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in the lives of street children.

Street Girls Aid 20th Anniversary Cocktail Party and “Stories From The Streets” Book Launch

You Are Cordially Invited to the

Street Girls Aid 20^th Anniversary Cocktail Party and

“Stories From The Streets” Book Launch

June 30^th 2015

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Salma Auditorium

Best Western Premiere

Accra Airport Hotel

17 White Avenue

Accra, Ghana

$50 USD in advance/$65 USD at the door

2014 marked the 20^th Anniversary of Street Girls Aid work of serving street children on the streets of Accra. This milestone offers an opportunity to celebrate and look back on the impact of the organization as well as reflect on the importance of S.Aid to many children on Accra’s streets. Reflection, impact and celebration will all be on the agenda at this 20^th Anniversary Cocktail Party.

The book launch of Stories From The Streets will be celebrated during this 20^th Anniversary celebration. This book is a passionate celebration of Street Girls Aid. Twenty inspiring stories represent the many thousands of children who have gone through the S.Aid programs, and the twenty years that S.Aid has consistently served children on the street. Written by Rotarian Kathy Stutzman, with Introduction by Rotary District 5960 Past District Governor Cathy Smith, the book supports Street Girls Aid’s efforts.

There will be a short program celebrating Street Girls Aid, its founders, staff and supporters as well as a book signing for “Stories From The Streets. Join us for food, entertainment, refreshments, 20^th Anniversary commemorative goodies and readings from the book.

The Anniversary Party and Book Launch is limited to 70 people, so please reserve your seat today. If you are unable to attend, we will be offering live-streaming opportunities; your ticket fee will be donated to the Street Girls Aid Legacy Fund. And, if you are interested in supporting Street Girls Aid Staff at this event, 12 tickets are available for sponsorship. Register at Eventbrite: Book Launch

If you would like to purchase the book prior to the book launch, you may do so by clicking on this link: Stories From The Streets

To learn more about Street Girls Aid, for more information about this event, or to learn about other 20^th Anniversary Celebration events (200 Feet Walk – June 27^th or the S.Aid Homecoming - July 2^nd) contact Vida Asomaning Amoako or Irene Engmann at 233 0208154807 or 233 0244611703 or via e-mail at streetgirlsaid@yahoo.com or Kathy Stutzman at 011 507 2190912 or kastutzm@smig.net

Follow all of the activities and events on Facebook at: Street Girls Aid on Facebook or Return to Ghana: www.csksghana.blogspot.com

Meet an Entrepeneur

Miriam used a loan from a Street Girls AID savings and loan group to expand her business, buy a maize field and employ workers to produce the food she now sells in Accra Ghana Learn the impact that this has had on her life and the future of her children.Each story in Stories From The Streets is filled with inspiration and hope. Help these stories come to life by supporting this Kickstarter - only 2 more days remain to make a difference and pledge your support. Don't delay - and thank you.

Stories From The Streets Kickstarter

Meet Ophelia

Street Girls Aid Social Workers Walk The Railway

When Ophelia was interviewed for the book “Stories From The Streets” she shared about her life as a commercial sex worker. At sixteen with an infant to feed there were few options available for her after being kicked out of her home. Her family blamed her for her pregnancy although she was impregnated by her teacher, dejected, she and her baby and some other girls slept in the open air bath houses, she’d given up any hope of a future for her child; she’d almost given up on herself.

After regular interactions with Street Girls Aid social workers in the railway, she turned to them for help. It wasn't easy. Following rules and adjusting to a routine which included educational and vocational programs required a lot of adjustment. Her health complications from the sex trade created additional difficulties.

Through the counseling she received, she opened up and made the decision to take action on her life, for the future of baby and for her future.

Several years later Ophelia works in a hairdressing salon earns a regular income and is able to take care of her child. She is getting ready to open her own salon from the money she has saved and she has successfully influenced two of her friends who were also commercial sex workers to learn skills and a trade. They are both working in their new vocations.

When asked what has changed for her as a result of Street Girls Aid and their programs, Ophelia has this to say, “I have acquired a skill which puts me in the best position to take care of my child. I feel more respected and I am privileged and happy. I have big dreams.”

Ophelia’s dreams and other important lessons from Ophelia are included in the book “Stories From The Streets” Help support the publishing of this book so that Ophelia and others can share their inspirational experiences.  http://kck.st/1It8o36

Stories From The Streets - Street Girls Aid 20th Anniversary Fabric

Service, Security and God Woven Together Protecting Street Children

Street Girls Aid Fabric - Find The 5 Symbols

Service, security and God are all present in the Street Girls Aid 20^th Anniversary celebration cloth which is being used to make clothing, table runners, head scarfs, place mats, bags and so much more. The girls in the vocational training program are reminded constantly of the deep commitment to service and security that Street Girls Aid demonstrates daily in their work with street children as designs are created and sewn with the deep blue and white fabric shown here.

Adinkra symbols have been used in West Africa since the early 1800’s when King Adinkra was a king from the Ivory Coast. The symbols used

24% of the Street Children in Accra Ghana are Between 6 - 10 Years of Age

Top three questions I am asked about Street Children in Accra, Ghana:

During presentations about our work with Street Girls Aid, I am asked many questions about the realities that exist for children living, working and sleeping on the streets of Accra. Here are the three of the most frequently asked questions:

What is a “Street Child?

A Street Child is “One who is under 18 years, is born on the street and lives with parent (s) on the street; migrated to the streets; or is an urban poor child or street mother who survives working in the street*.”

How many Street Children live on the streets of Accra?

The Census on Street Children in Greater Accra discovered 61,492 children living, working and sleeping on the street.

What are the ages of the Street Children living on the streets of Accra, Ghana?

During the census, the following information was collected:

           

            1%       Less than one year of age

            18%     1 – 5 years of age

            24%     6 – 10 years of age

            37%     11 – 15 years of age and

            20%     16 – 18 years of age.

The next update will address other frequently asked questions such as: Where do the children come from? What is the gender breakdown? And, why do children live on the streets?

The stories of the children who have survived and become contributing members of their communities have a lot to teach all of us. Theirs are stories of perseverance, hard work and interventions by organizations like Street Girls Aid which has been serving street children – impacting generations for 20 years.

Back “Stories From The Streets” so that we can share the lessons learned with the global community:  http://kck.st/1It8o36

*“Census on Street Children in Greater Accra, Ghana” (2011)  

Celebrate 20 Years...Impact Generations...The Time Is Now

Street Girls Aid 20th Anniversary Fabric

Dear Friends -

I am writing to you because you supported one of the three prior grants for the Street Girls Aid Ghana project which was featured in the August 2014 “Rotarian” magazine.  Thank you for that support!  The grants helped us achieve far more than we dreamed.  As a direct result of the strategic planning work that we conducted at Street Girls Aid, they are holding a week long 20^th Legacy Celebration in June involving all of their international and local partners.  Contact me or go to SAid’s Facebook page for more information if you are interested in participating.

Today, I am writing to you for a related reason.  During the strategic planning the Street Girls Aid management team identified the need to seek out former street children and interview them in an effort to find ways to improve services, as well as to learn about the impact of their accomplishments.  They spent the past year doing just that and have accumulated some amazing stories of impact.

Street Girls Aid has asked me to help them compile these stories into a book and then publish the book so that these powerful stories can be shared globally.  I have agreed.  But to accomplish this monumental and important task, I need your help!

Our team has launched a Kickstarter to help underwrite the costs associated with the writing, editing, publication and distribution of the book, as well as the funding of the book launch in Ghana as part of the Anniversary celebration. To comply with the Kickstarter rules, I have launched the project in my name as a writer because I have experience and will be spearheading the efforts.

Additionally, I am charging the project for only a small portion of my time and hourly rate as a means of contributing to the project and keeping expenses down.  (Kickstarter rules do not allow me to back my own project financially - so reducing my charges is a way I can contribute indirectly.)  I have cleared my calendar and am not taking any new work for the next two months while this producing the book.

The most important thing about this Kickstarter project is that the proceeds from the book will benefit Street Girls Aid.  The book will be sold on Amazon and some of the benefits of bringing this book to the publisher unencumbered are a greater opportunity for global distribution and an increased revenue stream and visibility for Street Girls Aid.

Kickstarter may be new and unfamiliar to you.  It does not run fundraisers; rather, it connects backers and participants with artistic and innovative projects like publishing “Stories from the Streets.”  Its web page is easy to use.  Pledges are not redeemed unless the project is fully funded and time is extremely limited.  The Kickstarter for “Stories from the Streets” ends on May 10^th and I am writing to ask you to participate in getting this important book into print and available on Amazon.

You can follow this link -  http://kck.st/1It8o36 - or go to the Kickstarter home page and put my name, Kathy Stutzman, into the search and you will find a site loaded with info about the project including videos and photos.

Please contact me if you need more information or have questions. This opportunity is important and will provide Street Girls Aid with increased engagement, visibility and funding. Thank you for becoming a backer of “Stories from the Street!”

Thank you – Kathy Stutzman