- to support the construction of 5 paediatric hospitals
An innovative effort aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and empowering youth in Africa has been launched in Accra. Established by The Dream Child Foundation, the project – named HoodTalk Music Festival – is dedicated to empowering and supporting African children by leveraging the influence of music and the arts through active community involvement.
Through a series of live events, musical performances, and on-the-road events, the festival aims to display talents, champion constructive transformation, and forge a more promising tomorrow for the upcoming generation.
In a speech read on his behalf, the chairman of the Dream Child Foundation, Chief Olorogun Oskar Christopher Ibru, said the foundation is deeply and passionately committed to empowering and supporting children in Africa for a better future by ensuring access to essential healthcare, education, and comprehensive support services that strengthen and empower the continent.
He said the HoodTalk Music Festival will not only revel in the joy of music but also bring together key stakeholders in support of a profound cause, saying: “As we embark on this journey of uniting voices for child wellness, we cannot overlook the pressing healthcare needs of the children in Ghana”.
He added: “Healthcare is a fundamental right that every child deserves. Yet, sadly, many children in Ghana continue to face significant challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services. Limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and geographical disparities often impede the path to improved health outcomes for these young souls”.
For him addressing this critical issue is not just the responsibility of the government, but a collective duty that requires the united efforts of the masses. “It is through collaborative initiatives like the HoodTalk Music Festival that we can bring about tangible change and make a difference in the lives of countless children,” he said.
He said as an organisation, the Dream Child Foundation is committed to seeking support, creating awareness, and embarking on a fund-raising journey to achieve their goal in constructing five paediatric hospitals across Ghana which aims to fill the gaps in healthcare accessibility for children.
“These hospitals will serve as beacons of hope, providing comprehensive medical care, treatment and support to the vulnerable ones in need,” he said. “When we invest in the health of our children, we invest in the future. Healthy children grow into healthy adults, contributing positively to society, and driving progress. The impact of good health on a child’s life cannot be overstated. It empowers them to pursue education, explore their passions, and achieve their dreams. It allows them to thrive, not just survive,” he added.
In addition, to live performances and artist interviews, the Hoodtalk Music Festival will feature a Youth Summit, Fashion Show, Arts Exhibition and Mentorship Sessions across different cities in Ghana.
The maiden edition of the Hoodtalk Music Festival will be held at Kingdom Gardens, Ashiyie in Greater Accra on September 2, 2023. Fans can expect to be thrilled by performances by mainstream and underground artists from Ghana, Africa and beyond. “The festival will also be a platform where artists of indigenous Ghanaian music will have the opportunity to take centre-stage and showcase their talent,” said Kofi Amoakohene, Co-Founder of Dream Child Foundation.
Paa Kwesi Holbrook-Smith, a patron of Dream Child Foundation, said during the launch event: “Our aim is to raise a provisional sum of US$14million for the construction of five paediatric clinics, equipment for the clinics, and to organise five regional Hoodtalk Musical Festivals in five regions before the end of 2023”.
The organisers also announced dates for the Hoodtalk Music Festival 2023 roadshow – Accra, September 2 at Kingdom Gardens; Tamale, September 23 at the Aliu Mahaman Staduim; Kumasi, October 7 at the Baba Yara Stadium; Western Region, October 28 at Gyandu Park; Ho, November 19 at Ho Sports Stadium.
