branches of the vine . . . ghana, united kingdom and america improving the lives of those in need ....
DESCRIPTION
For the past fifteen years, Branches of the Vine (BOV) a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization has been about the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, empowering villages and educating children. BOV promotes programs aimed at reducing suffering and meeting basic needs of remote rural populations, globally. BOV, sponsors salvation, education and health initiatives: medical and dental triage field teams, distribution of medicines and treated mosquito nets, seminars and training. Building schools, churches, KVIP toilet facilities and boring clean water wells. BOV sends a container to Ghana annually. The container (love container) includes teaching materials, teaching aids, library books, clothes, Bibles and blankets to prisoners and other items to help improve the lives of those in need. In additional to being of service to people in need, BOV is also a vehicle for donors and volunteers to personally participate in outreach programs, engage with cultures different from their own and experience the joy of giving and receiving as they learn and build new relationships. BOV aims to respond to the words of Mother Teresa when she said: "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”TRANSCRIPT
Branches of the Vine A 501 (c) (3) Not For Profit Organization
Branches of the Vine MissionImproving the lives of those in need . . . Ghana West Africa
Developing programs aimed at reducing suffering and meetingbasic needs
BOV is about the business
St. Paul’s LaSt. Justin’s Voc TechOdumanObeyeyie
BOV is about the business
Twerebo Kevin WellBuekoKwame-Anume
The Greatest Need . . .
Work started on St. Paul’s La High School in 2006. Renovation was completed in 2011! New roof, bath rooms, security wall, classrooms, and walk ways! Friday October 14, 2011 was St. Paul’s first graduation, 54 seniors. Diocesans Officials, Village Chief and his council, local politicians, Ghana Education Department, local residence, students from four area schools, parents, news media and BOV team were in attendance. The school administrator announced during the ceremony that 25 students had not paid their fees, they would not graduate or receive their diploma until their fees had been paid (they did not have the funds to pay the fees). Before the ceremony ending a couple of team members paid the fees. All students received their diploma. During the ceremony a 20 computer lab was donated. Funds have been sent for a library. There are 350 students currently enrolled.
Current Needs . . .
Water tower to correctsanitation issues . . .Scholarships & Studentfinancial aid . . .Books, school supplies& teaching aids . . .
The school providesunder privilege &junior high graduatesthe opportunity to continue theirsecondary educationand beyond
The school prevents teenage pregnancy, fights HIV/Aids, drugs & child labor
During the first trip to Ghana West Africa we visited a rural village, Twerebo,. Located about 50 miles from Accra, the capital of Ghana. The village of approximately 600 people had no electricity, no church, no school, no health facilities and no clean water. They practiced fetish beliefs; a traditional African religion. The only source of water for the community was a fetid pond, a source of continual sickness and disease. The same pond was used for drinking, cooking, bathing and watering animals. Villagers were contracting water-borne diseases from the polluted water. As we left we committed to digging a well for the village and to one day return. Today, there are two water wells, a school with 260 children and a church. The same chief is still there. He has been baptized and professes to be a Christian. Many have been baptized.
Current Needs . . .
Wooden double door $200 each,eighteen = $3,600 office door $125 each, four = $500Total $4,100
St. Justin’s school at Ablekuma was established to fight illiteracy and
degradation. Named after St. Justin a Christian Apologist interested in education. School started with approximately 200 students. The idea was while a school was being developed, belief in God would spread throughout.
Today, the child population has grown to approximately 3,000; which
includes children from surrounding villages. The available facilities cannot handle the growing number of children. Child labor threatens education – parents are not eager to support their children furthering their education; low income families (who work primarily in sand winning and stone quarry) encourage their children to take menial jobs which earn little income.
In 2007 Branches of The Vine partnered with The Diocese of Accra to
answer a call. To establish a vocational training school which would allow children to continue their education, develop skills and provide a living. The school open in October 2011 offering carpentry, masonry, computer programs and catering.
St. Justin’s Vocational Technical InstitutePhase One Completed in 2011 School Open . . .
St Justin’s Vocational Technical InstitutePhase Two Projected Completion Date2014 . . .
BOV Review of Projects
The outreach at Bueko started in 2006 with a medical mission. Three years ago we put a one room block building and poly water tank for clean water in place to claim the land the chief had given for a school. Tuesday October 11, 2011 was the official ceremony, blessing and opening of a six classroom school building. Currently approximately 150 children are in school.
Original School Building New School Building
Schools . . .
Churches . . .
St. Joseph’s Anglican Christ The King Holy Innocent
Clean Water . . .
KVIP Toilets Facilities’ . . .
The Branches of the Vine Experience . . .
Slave Castle
Culture