RESPECT Ghana Successfully Gains Non-profit Status
RESPECT Ghana has successfully obtained its registration certificate, which gives it credibility as a non-profit organization and opens up opportunities to seek funding internally and internationally.
Fred Ayifli, the country coordinator of RESPECT Ghana, says this is a major step for the organization because with this certificate they can now apply more widely for funding to help manage and expand their programs.
Established in 2003, RESPECT Ghana currently operates primarily on personal funding, voluntary contributions, and support from the Foundation for a Better Tomorrow (FOBET) and RESPECT International.
The organization was started by Mr. Ayifli when he was completing his first degree. He was touched by the number of refugees in Ghana, most of whom were from the neighbouring country of Liberia, and he wanted to raise awareness of their living conditions others around the world.
Since its inception, RESPECT Ghana has made some great strides. Operating mainly from the Buduburam Refugee Camp in the Gomoa District, the organization currently has over 300 students participating in the global letter exchange program with non-refugee youth in Europe, Asia, and America.
RESPECT Ghana has over the years relied on both local and international volunteers to run its activities. In the refugee camp, the organization has a steering committee, under the leadership of Mr. Anthony Macedo Barlee. The committee oversees the smooth running of all programs in the camp.
Through its training and capacity building program, it has implemented an agricultural project utilizing drip irrigation technology for the farming community of Buduburam. The goal is to expand the size of the land and acquire more tools, seeds and train more farmers in sustainable techniques.
In 2005, the RESPECT Intellectual Club (RIC) was formed to encourage young refugees to take action at the community level and to add their voices of concern to global issues. Students from six refugee camps are currently enrolled in this club, which is participating in the 2005/2006 One World Youth Project (OWYP). This project links groups of middle and high school students in the United States with groups from around the world in learning partnerships, through cultural understanding, leadership training and community service.
A number of other initiatives are currently being developed through RESPECT Ghana including the "Catch them Young" project, youth leadership and sponsorship programs and training workshops.
Mr. Ayifli says that now the organization has its non-profit status, they will be actively seeking funds to expand their existing programs and start new ones, which includes establishing a resource centre and a library.