About the Centre
Kokrobite is a fishing community to the west of Accra. There is a lack of education here with the greater part of the community depending on fishing for their livelihood. This is not reliable and does not guarantee an income. Many of the children in Kokrobite do not attend school due to the cost of uniforms, shoes, books and daily food. An additional problem is caused by the parents not appreciating the value of an education having had no formal education themselves. Parents are reluctant to send their children to school if there is an opportunity for them to do something that will help to generate income for the family. When this is not the case the children spend the greater part of the day hanging around the streets or on the beach.
The Kokrobite Chiltern Centre was originally the idea of Jane and Martial Zohoungbogbo. Jane first came to Kokrobite in February 2004 and quickly realised that there was a need for a facility that could support those children that were not attending school and also to help educate and empower some of the women of the community. Martial Zohoungbogbo has been living in Kokrobite for twelve years and is well known in the local community. He has seen for himself how much the situation has deteriorated in that time.
At KCC we work with the parents and children and help to support the children so that they are able to attend school and gain an education. We also work with children aged 4 – 18 years out of school hours and provide additional classes to help them learn to read, write, speak English and be competent in basic Math procedures. We give them a place to do their homework and assistance with this when necessary. In addition we offer the opportunity to play sport – football, volleyball and cricket are the current favourites! For the children attending school we provide them with uniform, shoes, school bags, books, stationery, at least one good meal every day and funds for medical care and haircuts when necessary.