Lift Ghana’s mission statement: 

“Working through local partnerships, we aim to enhance the quality of life of those in need by helping them reach their fullest potential through life and job training.”

Lift Ghana is a UK charity supporting the work of the Vineyard Church in Ghana and their NGO/charity, Shepherd’s Heart.

Lift Ghana’s main aim is to provide for the needs of the poor in Ghana and seek sustainable solutions to lift them out of the poverty trap.

Lift Ghana currently supports Emily Raggett and a Ghanaian health worker, Gladys, as they work with the NGO and the leaders of the 7 Vineyard churches across Ghana.

One of the main projects they are running is targeted at women living in urban hubs of Accra, the capital of Ghana, who have entered the sex trade as a means to support themselves. Some of the women are homeless and many have children they are providing for.

Emily, Gladys and their team from Shepherd’s Heart, use creative activities like sewing beads onto flip flops and making jewellery as a means of making friends, talking, asking questions and sharing with the women. It is hoped that these activities will build their confidence, enable them to learn new skills and make positive choices so that they are better equipped to provide for themselves and any children they have in a more healthy way.

The challenges in the urban and rural environments in Ghana can be overwhelming, but Lift Ghana is proud to be sponsoring work at the grass-roots level, delivering projects that can ultimately make a big difference to those who are limited in their choices by poverty.

Shepherd’s Heart has existed in Ghana for over 10 years and was founded by Thomas Okyere, who had a vision to provide for the disabled, street children and disadvantaged children. Today, several projects are ongoing to target support at those at-risk groups. Shepherd’s Home is a children’s home that cares for 7 children that used to live on the streets in Accra. Young people from the street have been encouraged to join the Vineyard Football Club that meets regularly to practice and play friendly matches. Many young people have been sponsored through school and encouraged in their education. Many adults have also been supported through vocational training and with the aid of a no-interest loan scheme. More recently, local organisations are in the process of being established  by students and young people who are passionate about advocating against the abuse of alcohol and drugs and caring for those affected by substance addiction.