Running Together, Giving Hope Together – GISA Charity Run Raises 81,000 GHS for Street Children in Ghana

What an inspiring and deeply moving day at the German International School Accra: Today’s charity run in support of the NGO Chance for Children was about far more than running laps — it was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, compassion, and community spirit. An impressive total of 81,000 Ghana Cedis was raised — currently equivalent to around 6,100 Euros. Thanks to this achievement, approximately 80 children in Ghana will now be able to attend school and gain new opportunities for their future.

For nearly two decades, the German International School Accra has maintained a close and trusted partnership with Chance for Children. The organisation is dedicated to supporting street-connected and highly vulnerable children and young people in Ghana through education, social support, safe spaces, and long-term opportunities. For many children, the NGO’s work provides access to structured daily life and education for the very first time.

With visible joy and heartfelt gratitude, Daniela Ruedisueli Sodjah, Executive Director of Chance for Children, accepted the symbolic cheque during the closing ceremony. She remarked:

“This support means far more than just school fees for many children. It means hope, safety, and the chance for a different future. Seeing so many children, young people, families, and supporters come together today for Ghana’s street children deeply touches us.”

Even the weather cooperated beautifully: the rain stopped just in time and left behind pleasantly cool temperatures — ideal conditions for the run. After an energetic warm-up session in front of the school with music by Bernard Mensah at the music box and motivating exercises led by the sports coaches from Pippa Gym, kindergarten children, students, and staff enthusiastically took to the track.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the children and young people had been tasked with finding sponsors for their laps. For every lap completed, individually negotiated sponsorship amounts were donated. As a result, motivation, determination, and excitement on the course were exceptionally high. The atmosphere was filled with cheering, laughter, and an impressive sense of team spirit.

It was also wonderful to see so many parents actively participating — not only supporting and cheering from the sidelines, but in many cases joining the run themselves and helping turn the event into a true community experience.

A particularly meaningful gesture of solidarity came from a delegation of the Ghanaian Armed Forces. Following an initiative by Lieutenant Colonel Tobias Niederhausen, Head of the German Armed Forces Advisory Group in Ghana, soldiers participated in the run wearing their official training outfits and visibly supported the charitable cause of the event. Their participation was received with great appreciation by many children and families and highlighted the strong spirit of togetherness that characterised the day.

Additional excitement was created through the generous donation of jerseys by the German Embassy Accra. The bright yellow shirts became a defining visual feature of the charity run and will help many children remember this special day for a long time to come.

While the laps were being counted, teachers organised a wide range of sports and activity workshops for the participants: from yoga and guided relaxation sessions to group games, stretching, table tennis, aerobics, disco-foot-dance, and football — there was something for every age group.

The event concluded with a joyful award ceremony at the Swiss Club, where the true impact of collective engagement and solidarity became even more visible.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all supporters, sponsors, parents, students, teachers, and staff members who contributed to making this special event possible. Special appreciation goes to Sara Debackere, who took the lead in organising and coordinating the charity run with tremendous dedication and commitment.