By Evans Adu-Gyamfi
It all began with a simple encounter on a Sunday afternoon drive in April 2023 when Amma Tweneboah-Kodua, a concerned neighbor, noticed a group of children ranging from two to 15 years old were playing aimlessly on the streets of Ashongman, Accra. “Why are these children not in church?” she quizzed. As most transformational initiatives are birthed, Amma’s curiosity led to conversations – with the children and her immediate family.
These conversations revealed that not only were many of these children in their neighborhood not interested in attending Church service on Sundays, most of them did not return to school following the lifting of the ban on the COVID-19 restrictions. Determined to make a difference, Amma, along with her family, embarked on a mission to uplift the underprivileged in their community.
Thus, on the 11th of April 2023, on Easter Monday, the Good News Club was born at 4:30 pm. With just nine children in attendance, three of whom were teenagers, the inaugural meeting set the stage for a journey of empowerment and transformation. The focus was clear: to nurture spiritual and physical growth and to instill a sense of purpose and hope in the hearts of these children.
“As the passion to change lives grew wild by the day, I started engaging friend and family members who had knowledge of Christian teaching materials and out of benevolence received enough to provide a strong spiritual and physical foundation for the children” Amma explains.
The club’s slogan, “Come to Jesus” embodies its mission to guide young minds towards a path of righteousness and fulfillment. Through weekly meetings, children are grouped in three teams according to age and each team engage in interactive sessions centered around Christian teachings and life skills development.
As the club’s membership swelled to 100 within a year, innovative approaches such as the “Refer and Reward” initiative incentivized growth while maintaining a sense of community and camaraderie. It needs highlighting that the club’s impact extends beyond spiritual nourishment. Recognizing the socio-economic challenges faced by many members, efforts were made to address educational needs and provide support for the children most of whom are from vulnerable families.
A reading club has been established to enhance literacy skills, with membership skyrocketing by 440% within six weeks. Additionally, educational outings and sessions on oral and hand hygiene underscore the club’s commitment to holistic development.
This month, as the Good News Club celebrates its first anniversary, the Club’s achievements are indeed cause for celebration. In this regard, an event to mark the occasion is being planned which includes visits to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra Zoo, Accra Sports Stadium and with refreshment for the children at the Efua Sutherland Park. Amidst the celebrations, the essence of the club remains unchanged: to sow seeds of hope and sow smiles on the faces of those in need.
This milestone offers a great opportunity to appreciate all and sundry who have supported the Good News Club in various ways over the last year. Especially the sponsors of the initial teaching materials: Audiovisual, Christian literature, Bible, Daily devotional for teenagers.
The story of the Good News Club serves as a testament to the power of compassion and community-driven initiatives. In a world often marred by adversity, it stands as a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow. So, let us heed its call, and together, let us strive to change the world, one Sunday at a time.
Congratulations, Good News Club!
