Sumaila, 12, is bare-chested, holding his shirt on a dusty, hazy, humid December afternoon in Ghana. Around him, as his peers wait for the sun to go down, Emmanuel, Christian Children’s Fund of Canada’s (CCFC) sponsorship assistant, arrives on his motorbike.
The children immediately run towards Emmanuel, sensing he has good news to share — and he does. He’s come to announce a Christmas party in a predominately Muslim community where the holiday has little significance.
Without discriminating, CCFC throws a highly anticipated party every year, giving children gifts and Christmas cards from their sponsors before the holiday. “The party is always a happy occasion for us,” says Mohammed, a student.
Last year, more than 6,000 children enjoyed the celebration, and 60 children were selected from rural schools to visit the Tamale Airport and sit in an airplane for the first time.
The children were excited. “It was wonderful boarding the aircraft, which … we always see flying overhead; it’s a really big machine,” said Sumaila.
Aisha also took part in the visit and couldn’t hide her excitement. “It was fun. I was scared at first, but when I sat in the airplane, I was happy. I thank CCFC.”
Flash-forward to the present-day party where children are enjoying their biscuits and refreshments while dancing in the dust, until their feet are caked in dirt. They’re in the mood for Christmas — a time of peace and joy to the world. Sumaila, Mohammed and Aisha are very grateful to CCFC donors for the support.
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