By Seth Eyiah
The commitment and sacrifice of the late Ghana international football star, Christian Atsu Twassam, to build a state-of-the-art school facility for the children at Becky’s Foundation Orphanage and children in Awutu Beraku in the Central region has been realized.
With support from a UK-based NGO, Arms Around The Child, a fully furnished and beautiful Pre-School, Primary and JHS classroom blocks have been completed and inaugurated.
The school has all the facilities conducive for teaching and learning thereby ensuring quality education for the children. Becky’s Foundation was one of the benefactors of Christian Atsu Twassam’s philanthropic gestures and had promised the foundation of building a new school for the pupils until his unfortunate demise in the earthquake that hit Turkey in February this year.
Children at the Becky’s Foundation attended school in a dilapidated structure together with children in Awutu Beraku. Christian Atsu Twassam visited the community with the NGO, Arms Around The Child as its ambassador.
The trip was followed by a series of fundraising activities for the construction of a new school. It began initially with the Black Star Gala in Newcastle, direct financial support from Atsu, Chelsea FC among others. The Director of Arms Around The Child, Ellie Milner, spoke about how important the construction of the school was dear to the heart of Christian Atsu Twassam, considering his poor background and upbringing.
The Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, described the inauguration of the school as special and encouraged donors to support Arms Around The Child to expand the school infrastructure to accommodate many more children who will be desirous of having education in the facilities.
The Director of Becky’s Foundation, Seth Asiedu, revealed that Christian Atsu was a huge influence in helping the orphanage.
He said the late Black Stars winger was their pillar of support, and whenever he got out of his car all the children run to embrace him. Mr. Asiedu was overwhelmed by the gesture and was grateful to Christian Atsu Twassam and Arms Around The Child.
The MP for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh Agbortsui, recounted the love that existed between Christian Atsu and the pupils at the Becky’s Foundation Orphanage. She called on other footballers and philanthropists to emulate Atsu’s example and leave a lasting legacy.
The school is named after the late Black Star player as Christian Atsu Educational Centre.
