The Assemblies of God Relief and Development Services (AGRED), a non-governmental organisation, has commissioned a four-classroom block and a dining hall to cater for the children of kayayei (women porters) in Accra. This is part of the organisation’s community outreach programme to provide services to kayayei by providing educational facilities for their children. The commissioning was part of activities marking the eighth graduation ceremony of the Lifeline project which trains kayayei to attain skills in tie-dye making, catering, hairdressing and dressmaking. Mr Joseph K. Wumbee, Executive Director of AGRED said the provision of these facilities will mobilise and empower the mothers to contribute towards the survival and development of their children. He added that the facility which currently caters for 300 children also feeds the children most of whom are malnourished. "I appeal to government to pay teachers of private institutions such as ours since we provide enormous services to these children and their mothers," he said. Rev. Moses S. Sumaila, Assistant General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana who cut the sod for the commissioning said the move by the church will give true meaning to the new educational reform programme and safeguard the future of the children. "I, therefore, urge all churches to emulate the example of the church to reduce problems confronting children such as child labour," he said. He, however, lauded government’s effort to reduce the problems associated with child development by establishing the Ministry for Women and Children Affairs and the passing of the Children’s Act etc. He expressed gratitude to the Robertson Foundation of the USA, UNICEF, Africa Children, Children at Risk and other NGOs who have supported the organisation in its projects towards alleviating hardships confronting such children. Source: The Ghanaian Times