In a significant act of generosity, the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, has donated $1 million to Lott Carey to support the Ghana Baptist Freedom Initiative. The donation was presented by Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley and Rev. Marcia M. Norfleet, Assistant to the Pastor for Missions, to Lott Carey President Dr. Gina M. Stewart during the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, held from August 12-15 in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Ghana Baptist Freedom Initiative, in collaboration with the Ghana Baptist Convention, aims to rescue and rehabilitate young girls from the Trokosi system, a traditional practice where girls are enslaved to atone for the sins of their relatives. The initiative, established more than 25 years ago, has successfully rescued hundreds of girls, providing them with education and vocational training to reintegrate into society.
The project, in consultation with the Ghana Baptist Convention, will focus on several key areas. It will support the operation of eight existing schools and build additional schools in areas where the Trokosi system is practiced. These schools aim to educate young girls and introduce them to Christian values, helping them understand the negative impacts of the Trokosi practice. Additionally, the vocational center provides life skills training in basket weaving, sewing, baking, and more. The facility will be rehabilitated to meet current demands, ensuring that rescued girls can become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
A microfinancing program will offer loans to those who have completed vocational training, enabling them to start or expand their businesses. This financial support aims to lift families out of poverty and improve their standard of living. The Freedom Fund will ensure that resources are available to free more girls from the Trokosi system, with the cost of freeing one person being $500.
The funds donated by Alfred Street Baptist Church will be managed by Lott Carey’s special project account. Distribution will be based on budgetary allotments agreed upon by the Ghana Baptist Convention and Lott Carey.
The project will be overseen by the Office of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer/CEO of Lott Carey, in consultation with the Office of the Executive President (CEO) of the Ghana Baptist Convention. The management plan includes defining project scope, establishing timelines, identifying key roles, and ensuring regular communication and financial transparency.
It is expected to commence in the second half of 2024 and conclude in December 2028.
The funds were received from Alfred Street members who participated in the church’s annual fast, Seek 24. Members donated the cost from which they abstained during the fast, including food, leisure activities, entertainment, etc.
This generous donation from Alfred Street Baptist Church marks a significant step in the fight against the Trokosi system, offering hope and a brighter future to many young girls in Ghana.
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