Who are we?
Our association named Waisenhaus Tamale e.V. is a non-profit organization, that is supporting a local project based in Ghana. This project was founded by a Ghanaian couple who are raising 16 orphans as if they were their own children.
As a German registered non-profit organization we are able to provide donation receipts. The founders and chairs of our association are Steffen and Theresia Kneschke.
Our goals are:
- to support the Orphanage in raising all their children under good living conditions
- to motivate the children to live independently one day by aiming at employment
- to support in the provision of a safe and lovely living environment for the kids
- to consult the local manager with any concerns or challenge he faces
- to inform our supporters about the circumstances in Ghana and raise awareness
Why and how did we start?
The founder of our association, Theresia, lived and worked in the orphanage for a period of 6 months in 2009 and 2010. After spending 24/7 together with the children and supporting Mama Sanatu with the house work, close relationships developed.
During that period, her parents visited her and the first project started. With the slogan ‘One bag for Tamale’ her parents collected donations of objects and things that were needed most during that time. It was impressive how many people supported. Together with the project manager Silas we sat down and discussed challenges and chances. Once back in Germany, we founded our association. That is how Waisenhaus Tamale e.V. was born.
What did we achieve so far?
Our association is now almost 9 years old and counts 22 members and even more supporters, partners and volunteers. Meanwhile we were struggling a lot in the first years as a newly founded association, today we are well established and we can count on a stable base of supporters.
Our first big milestone was the construction of a new house for the orphanage. Not being dependent on regular donations to cover the costs of renting a place was a really important step towards further improvement. As there is a big ground around the house, it even allowed us to have small farming and planting since a few years.
In 2014 we financed a small bus which is mainly used to bring and pick up the children to and from school and one year later we started to collect funds to build a water pipe and to provide electricity. In 2016 the fruits of our work paid off and also this project was realized successfully.
Until today we are working hard to support the kids. Next to our regular projects and fundraising activities, we are also consulting Silas and his wife in the decision making. As we have a close relationship with them, they would regularly ask us for advice on important decisions.