SEEK International – in its bid to make a significant mark in society and as part of its fourth anniversary celebration – has donated books to the isolation/quarantine centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The organisation with a mission of empowering individuals through knowledge acquisition and application made this initial donation to help ameliorate the burdens and difficulties imposed by the advent of COVID-19.
The donated books ranging from religious books, self-help books to literature were received on behalf of the hospital by Dr. Harry Akoto – Deputy Director of Medical Affairs; Serwah Amoah – Deputy Director, Infection Prevention and Control; and Mustapha Salifu – Head of Public Relations at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital.
Dr. Harry Akoto described this as one of the most relevant donations that he has seen so far. He stated the need for a similar donation to the children held in isolation/quarantine. Dr. Akoto went on to mention the hospital’s plan to build a library – hopefully with SEEK International championing the worthy cause.
Mr. Mustapha Salifu stressed the need for reading in these dire times. He mentioned that although television sets are provided for patients, the need for books and the activity of reading cannot be underestimated.
Explaining the rationale behind the donation, Kenneth Woanyah, the founder and director of SEEK International said: “Everyone seemed to be focusing on food and PPEs. We, however, felt the need to concentrate on the mental health issues related to keeping people in isolation”.
Mr. Woanyah stated examples of some amazing literary works that were birthed in isolation. Citing the apostle Paul as an example, he said: “It’s amazing to know that the four letters/epistles – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon – were written by Paul when he was under house-arrest in Rome. These are referred to as the ‘Prison Epistles’, which have become key books of teaching for people all over the world”.
Mr. Woanyah assured that the members of SEEK International are more than willing to donate more books, and that more effort will be invested in facilitating the library project for the hospital.
Also, in response to Dr. Harry Akoto’s statement about the hospital’s plan for a children’s library, Mr. Woanyah called on the general public, individuals and corporate bodies alike to donate books toward building the library. These books will go a long way to keep people enlightened and renew hope for those in need of it.
