By Dela Ahiawor
Street children’s right to sports has long been recognized as a human right. Sport absolutely has the potential to provide real grounds for optimism and growth opportunities for vulnerable groups in society, including street kids. As well, sport is key in shaping the attitude of kids positively.
Clued in on this, Polish-Ghanaian philanthropist, Omenaa Mensah is on a mission to uplift and empower underprivileged children in Accra, Ghana’s capital city by leveraging the power of sports.
With unwavering support from ambassadors, including NBA veteran, Pops Mensah-Bonsu- the Omenaa Foundation recently cut sod on the Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex in Accra- aiming to provide sports, arts, and holistic care for Ghana’s street urchins.
Given the alarming increasing number of street urchins in Ghana, the “Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex” is a great source of hope in the bid to curb the menace of child streetism (children living in the streets) in Ghana.
When children play sports they acquire positive attitudes which can be carried over to adult life. For this reason, Omenaa Mensah, who’s also the president and founder of the Omenaa Foundation notes: “the project is more than sports or art; it is about building self-belief and creating pathways to opportunity.” The Kids Haven Complex is supported by an outstanding lineup of government officials, including representative of Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Geoffrey Tamakloe, Polish Deputy Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Marta Cienkowska and international ambassadors, including former NBA player, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Poland’s top fitness trainer, Ewa Chodakowska and Larry Amponsah, a Ghanaian artist residing in London.
The Omenaa Foundation supported by ambassadors like, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Ewa Chodakowska and Larry Amponsah aims to inspire underprivileged children through sports and creativity. The Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex will help in crafting a future where Ghana’s youth can thrive, dream and succeed.
The Omenaa Foundation, has supported vulnerable children in Ghana since 2014. First established in 2021 the “Kids Haven School” has served as a refuge for children rescued from child labor. The new complex now expands the foundation’s mission, providing holistic development for children in need.
Since 2014, the Omenaa Foundation has supported children from Polish orphanages, Ukraine, and street children in Ghana. It provides comprehensive care, including material support, tutoring, and cultural and artistic activities.
Thanks to Omenaa Mensah’s efforts, “Kids Haven School” opened in Ghana in 2021, providing a haven where children rescued from child labor find shelter, care, and education.The Kids Haven School was officially opened on September 4, 2021. In three years, 67 children saved from forced labor found a safe home there. Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex, the latest Omenaa Foundation initiative, will provide a place where school residents can develop both sports and artistic talents while benefiting from medical and psychological support.
With state-of-the-art basketball and football fields, tennis courts and an art therapy centre, the Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex will be a comprehensive space for children’s development. Through partnerships with Ghanaian organizations, the complex will host international exchange programs, enabling Polish doctors and artists to collaborate with local professionals in support of youth wellbeing and cultural exchange.
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