The new Day Centre for the Aged and HIV victims in Tema   Day Centre for the Aged and HIV victims Tema Children from the Good Shepherd Youth conference worked endlessly in the fierce heat and humidity with the final touches to the centre before the grand opening and dedication on the Feast Day of St Vincent de Paul. The centre was beautifully set out with many rooms including a reception area and office and a meeting room for the Tema area conference along with many rest rooms, dining and kitchen area, a sitting room, library, health centre and two bathroom areas.   entertainment special blessing final touches   On Saturday 27th September the dedication commenced at 9:30am. It was extremely well attended by clergymen from many different faiths, local dignitaries, fellow Vincentians and others who had contributed to the Centre in many ways.   There were speeches from many people including Larry on behalf of the Society in Northern Ireland. The Centre was blessed by Bishop Andoh and dedicated to St Vincent de Paul. The choir from Good Shepherd Church and orchestra provided beautiful music as people pledged donations and mingled enjoying the delicious food also provided.   Bishop Andoh exchanging gifts local Vincentians The Centre is a very sound structure which will operate and prosper well into the future. It is a credit to all involved including all our own conferences who contributed to the twinning levy.   The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Tema asked Rita and Larry to pass on their very sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU to all in Northern Ireland.

Two representatives from the Northern region return from week-long visit to our twinned African counterparts in Ghana for opening of Day Care Centre in Tema.   Regional twinning officer Rita Mannion and ex-regional president Larry McArdle were on a follow-up visit to monitor the progress of new projects started last year and they returned to Ireland on 29th September 2008.   These projects were only made possible because of the generous donations made to all the conferences in towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland.     SVP Projects at Kordiabe Doctor Lartson Rita and Larry also visited the projects of St Andrew's SVP in Kordiabe accompanied by Dr Margaret Amonoo Lartson. At the local school, attended by 185 pupils, aid from Northern Ireland helped provide the children with new uniforms, tables and benches and one square meal a day. As most are Aids orphans they are cared for by their grandparents. orphans Kordiabe school Next, Rita and Larry visited the nearby Mango Farm where they met up with Mensah and Joseph who showed them how things had progressed since their last visit. The land is well irrigated now and the mango trees have another three years to grow before they bear fruit. Mensah & Joseph roasting corn In the meantime they have planted other fruit and vegetables which are being used to feed the school and for local sale to generate some income.