Bosch Rexroth Africa partnered with the Nelson Mandela Education Foundation and the Primavera Foundation to build and furnish a library for Bosch Rexroth Ghana’s adopted orphanage, Father’s Home Care Ministries, in Takoradi, Ghana. The library was opened in July 2023 and is named after the Home’s founder, Reverend Francis Kweku Jackson, who opened the orphanage in 2001.
The 110 m2 library is filled with books and 10 computer stations for the benefit of children in the Home and the surrounding community. The Home’s motto is ‘to build a sense of belonging’. “In 2020, the Home’s founder mentioned that it was his dream to have a library on the property, to enable children in the Home and community to enhance their learning. Bosch Rexroth Ghana was inspired by the Home’s motto and the founder’s dream, and immediately set out to make it a reality. This library is the first in the area and will equip children with a safe learning space for schoolwork and extended knowledge,” Alex Booth, GM, Bosch Rexroth Ghana comments.
“A core ethos of Bosch Rexroth is to make a difference by adding value to communities in which we operate. We hope that the library empowers the youth in Takoradi, Ghana, to propel their education and lives,” adds Booth.
The Primavera Foundation, which provides pathways out of poverty through safe, affordable housing, workforce development and neighbourhood revitalisation, donated €75 000 towards this initiative. A total of 4 000 books in the library were donated by the Nelson Mandela Education Foundation as well as employees of the Group. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed, worked and given their private time towards the end result. We look forward to continuing our support of the Home with additional projects next year,” says Booth.
“We are very grateful to Bosch Rexroth Ghana, the Primavera Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Education Foundation and all of the individuals who have contributed to improving the lives of these deserving children,” says Jackson.
When the Home was opened in 2001, it accommodated seven children. Today it accommodates 70 children and five women who identify as their mothers. “To date, 512 children have passed through the Home since its opening. From this total, 60 young people have graduated from tertiary colleges and universities, and 37 are currently pursuing their tertiary studies. We are confident that these statistics will improve, thanks to the library,” he concludes.
Bosch Rexroth Ghana has supported the Home through several initiatives since it was adopted by the company in 2020. Initiatives prior to the establishment of the library include the renovation of the Home’s playground, an extreme renovation and extension of the Home, continued donations of necessities, and annual Christmas parties for the children.
