The Chayil Foundation, a private, voluntary, non-profit, faith-based NGO, on Friday, December 1, 2023, made donations and feted the Dodowa Widows Welfare Association in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.
Dubbed “Support a Widow: Christmas Came Early,” the foundation donated items that included packaged food as well as cash handouts to support the businesses of the widows.
Speaking to The Sikaman Times, founder of The Chayil Foundation, Eileen Ninson, said she first attempted taking care of some two widows, and upon realising that she could go further with it, she discussed the idea with some fellows in the Sunday school department of their church, which ultimately led to the formation of her organisation.
She explained that the foundation decided on widows in Dodowa because they were well organised, giving her team the opportunity to assess their needs and assist them accordingly.
“So I engaged a few people on where to start and was told to start with Dodowa, and we chose Dodowa because they are well organised, have executives, have a bit of structure, their bonding is admirable, and they meet regularly. We did some data gathering and felt that they had issues that needed urgent care,” she said.
According to her, the foundation is centered on making an impact in the lives of the people to donate to, and they do not intend to do this just once, but they will later come to help give them some skills training that will positively affect future generations.
Mrs. Ninson disclosed that the foundation organised a fund-raising event for this women group in June this year and that the aid they have given them now is the most pressing need among the four needs categorised, which will later include legal aid.
A health screening exercise was also conducted for the widows, who were checked for various conditions, including eye diseases, high blood pressure, and breast cancer.
The officer in charge of eye care, Dr. Marvin, confirmed that 80 percent of the women had cataracts, which is the condition where one’s eye lenses become foggy, and that the only way to cure that is either through surgery or using the lenses.
He said that those with minor cases were treated and discharged, while the others were referred to bigger facilities for surgery.
Dr. Marvin also urged Ghanaians to take advantage of medical outreaches and support from local and international NGOs to correct any health-related issues at little or no cost.
The coordinator of the Dodowa Widows Welfare Association, Madam Felicia Tetteh, expressed her immense appreciation to the Chayil Foundation for supporting them this far.
She asked for God’s blessing for the foundation, adding that since the formation of their group, they have never received any such support.
“Support a Widow: Christmas Came Early” with The Chayil Foundation was supported by Blackwood Optometry, Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana (LAPAG), and other private donors.
