Holy Child School marks historic anniversary with first-ever blood donation drive

In a powerful demonstration of compassion and service, Holy Child School marked its 80th anniversary with a historic milestone—its first-ever blood donation exercise on campus.

Held on Friday March 6 2026, the initiative brought together students, alumni, teachers and supporters in a united effort that resulted in 424 units of blood being collected to support Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Swedru Government Hospital.

The lifesaving campaign was organized by the Holy Child Past Students Association (HOPSA) and Holy Child School in partnership with The Kaysens Group, Kwaaba Foundation and the Annual March Blood Donation Campaign.

A call to save lives

Weeks before the event, school authorities—including the Headmistress Mrs. Linda Appiah, Assistant Headmistress Mrs. Asamoah and Assistant Headmaster Academic Rev Fr. Sylvester Yaw Essilfie —granted the organizing team the opportunity to sensitize students about the urgent need to give blood.

More than 2,000 students, teachers and staff gathered in the school’s iconic chapel to hear the message. The impact was immediate and emotional – some students shared deeply personal stories of Ghana’s blood shortage crisis—one recalling the painful loss of her mother due to the lack of blood during a medical emergency. Others expressed their determination to donate as soon as they were given the opportunity to do so.

Schools unite for a lifesaving cause

With the support of the school authorities, Metro Director of Education, Cape Coast Mr. Thomas Kwofie and PTA Chairman Mrs. Crescentia Osei-Bonsu, as well as parental consent, the historic blood drive in Holy Child School was approved. Students from St. Augustine’s College, Ghana National College and Mankessim Senior High Technical School joined Holy Child students to donate blood.

Other groups like Westlands Keepfit Club and National Blood Donors Association of Ghana (NABDAG) traveled from Accra to participate. NABDAG members are committed individuals with a deep passion for voluntary blood donation, many of whom have donated numerous times to help save lives.

They came to donate blood and also support and encourage the girls. Noeline Kumor, Thomas Anniversary Tehoda and Mr John DeGraft Baiden just to mention a few who were there, have donated 48, 73 and 140 times respectively. Others like Joshua Alorgbea and Felicia Owoo donated 48 and 50 times respectively during the Holy Child Blood Drive.

Taking the message to the streets

The day began with a vibrant awareness float organized by the Class of 2001 and the National Union of HOPSA (NUHOPSA) through the principal streets of Cape Coast, to generate awareness about Holy Child School turning 80 years. It was also another opportunity for the school to exhibit the theme – 80 years of globally impactful women of substance – by generating awareness about the need to donate blood as participants carried placards and wore T-shirts bearing powerful messages such as:

“I am a Lifesaver”

“Different Flex: We Donate Blood”

“Save Our Mothers and Children”

“People Live When People Give.”

“Actions, Not Hype!” among others.

Students lead the way

More than 50 members of the school’s Red Cross Society volunteered, helping manage donor registration, coordination and logistics. Inspired by the experience, one student urged organizers to make the event an annual tradition, so she could donate when she turns 17—the legal age for blood donation in Ghana.

Another class demonstrated the school’s motto—“Actions, Not Words”—when 40 out of 49 students stepped forward to donate blood. The first student donor – Cedella Adjase-Kodjo – spoke about how quick and seamless the process was and that she will consider donating “over and over again because trust me, it’s not painful.”

Form Two student Emmanuella Abban, said the experience was eye-opening “Donating blood was a simple process that took just a few minutes, but it could make a huge difference in someone’s life.” Others spoke about liking the idea of saving mothers and children and putting smiles on faces of others. Mr Jacob Appiah and Ms. Gifty Fuachie both members of the Kaysens Group team were particularly thrilled about the enthusiasm, zeal and excitement with which the students participated in the Blood Donation Exercise.

Ms. Benedicta Tufour, a teacher in the school, a Patron for the Red Cross Society and a member of the organizing Class, Class of 2001 was very proud of her girls. HOPSAN Class of 1991 Ms. Afia Appiah, a passionate advocate for blood donation, also encouraged more people to step forward – “Don’t let the opportunity to save lives pass you by,” she urged. “Donate blood whenever you can.”

Breaking myths, building leaders and Opening Doors

According to Maame Kwaaba Stephens (HOPSA 1994) and former Brand Ambassador of National Blood Service Ghana, the initiative provided students another opportunity to demonstrate leadership, compassion and civic responsibility. It also opened the door for many other schools to follow suite.

Additionally, the event helped demystify the misconception that women should not donate blood, empowering young women to become advocates for lifesaving action. Speaking at the event, Nana Stephens, Director of The Kaysens Group highlighted the ongoing challenges hospitals face in securing adequate blood supplies—especially during emergencies such as accidents, childbirth complications, and major surgeries. He urged eligible individuals to make blood donation a regular act of service.

Donation of blood donor beds

In support of the 80th Anniversary celebrations, the HOPSA Class of 1971 generously donated 5 blood donor beds valued at Ghc 25,000 to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. This generous donation reflects their enduring commitment to service and compassion, and will significantly strengthen the hospitals capacity to collect blood and help save countless lives.

Through this act of giving, the Class of 1971 has once again demonstrated that true legacy is measured not only in years but in the lives we touch and the hope we give to others.

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