Projects

Linda sits in front of a table where 120 of the textbooks are displayed while two of the school admin look on

Back in 2021, the government announced that they were changing the curriculum, which meant that the textbooks would also have to change.  The texts for grades 1 to 7 were determined rather quickly and we did fundraising immediately and purchased them early in 2022. But, it has taken until May 2023 for the junior high, year 2 books to be announced! We were ready!

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
Ruban at the top of a ladder, installing solar lights to the corner of a town toilet building

Let there be light!

It's great that we have toilet facilities, but it's not so great if you can't see where you've gotta go!

We just installed replacement solar lights at each corner and entrance of our town toilet facilities.  Thanks to two of our previously-sponsored grads, Ruben and Mawuko, for getting the job done!

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
the yia water tower with new and improved foundation and stand

Thanks to wonderful friends who prefer to remain anonymous, we were able to immediately rectify a scary situation.

Erosion around the water tower in Dekpor Yia left the structure in a vulnerable way. Wind and water damage from heavy rains and run-off challenges the upkeep of many buildings in Dekpor, but, the implications of possible shifting to a water tower could have been disastrous.

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
Happy guys leaning on the massive speakers

Fortunately, we were just able to do all the repairs and replacements necessary to get the sound system back up and running.  Music at weddings and funerals is a Ghanaian tradition.  Now we have the necessary equipment right in Dekpor! 

Thanks to our amazing friends, Susan and Tony Anderson for making this possible.

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
close up of handmade adzes and machetes

Dekpor and its surrounding areas are farming communities.  Pretty much every single family has a plot of land that they use to grow crops. Everyone in developed countries knows that farming is hard work, but, just for a moment, consider what it is like in Dekpor.

 

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
New gutter has water flowing through it

What happens when torrential rains hit Dekpor and there is no proper drainage?  Homes get flooded and destroyed.

 

The situation in Dekpor Yia was grim and something HAD to be done before homes collapsed.

 

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
smiling young girl holding a bowl of food

 

Back in 2011, Andrew Sanderson gave a generous donation that enabled DSDO to get the breakfast programme started. Every morning, before school, our fully-sponsored children, as well as some other very, very needy children, stop at Favour's for a nutritious breakfast. Prior to this, several students had to start their day without any food.

 

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
close up photo of a smiling girl

Our child sponsorship programme is making a huge difference for some extremely needy children.  Nope, we aren't showing the names, nor are we showing anywhere near all the kids we help! We just want you to see a few of the faces.

These are real kids, most with heart-breaking backstories filled with challenges.

Our sponsors, as far as we're concerned, are real-life heroes.  Giving a child a chance to attend school with all of the necessary supplies, meals provided, medical needs looked after, and fees covered is a gift like no other!

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
Solar panels surrounded by protective fencing

More SUNSHINE news!

 

For a long time, we have hoped and wanted to be able to utilize solar power in Dekpor, but there have been a variety of challenges to overcome. We were able to install the first set-up in June and now, thanks to a beautiful donation from friends, we just completed the rest of the borehole submersible pump needs in July!

 

Once the funding was in place, Lawson, our trusted plumber, brought in his crew and immediately tackled the job.  We had the new welders from our Dekpor Central Shops look after the protective fencing.

 

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago
Dr Karin Haas pictured with Dr Robert Haas

We are so very grateful to Dr. Karin Haas and Dr. Robert Haas of Austria!  While in Dekpor for just a couple of days, they took the time to hold an educational session for our JHS 2 students, give them all toothbrushes, paste, and dental floss, and screen for any concerns that would require further treatment. What an undertaking! Incredibly generous, they have pledged to cover the expenses of the students who will require treatment in Soga with the Ghanaian dentists.

This is the first time we've ever had international professionals help this way in the town! 

View project page
Last updated: 1 year ago