Our family center

The start of a new project

Spring 2014, the foundation decided to start a new project from scratch. After thorough research, we chose the village of Bobikuma, which met the criteria we were looking for. The goal of the initiative is to create a support and education center for vulnerable families.

The center will provide families with support to prevent children from being forced to leave their homes, through close collaboration with the social services in Ghana. We also aim to assist families so that more children can attend school and have a safe and stable upbringing.

About Bobikuma

Bobikuma is located in central Ghana, about a 30-minute drive from the town of Agona Swedru, which has around 7,000 inhabitants.
The area is surrounded by small villages with a low economic standard, and many families make a living through small-scale farming. They mainly cultivate cocoa, but also maize, cassava, and other crops.
Poverty is widespread and the level of education is low. Many children and adolescents drop out of primary school, and teenage pregnancies are common.

Situation of children in Ghana

Since 2008, we have supported orphanages in Ghana and met many children with diverse backgrounds, stories, and challenges. Some have lost one or both parents, others have been abandoned due to financial difficulties, or taken into care by authorities due to neglect. In the best cases, these vulnerable children end up in orphanages, where the standard can vary greatly. Some homes are run illegally for profit, leaving children to live under catastrophic conditions. They receive neither love nor attention and grow up without the safety and support that a family can provide.

When children reach school age, primary education is free, but families must cover the cost of uniforms, schoolbooks, and exam fees themselves. Many families cannot afford this, so many children do not attend school, risking life on the streets or having to work at an early age to contribute to their family’s income.

Our vision

Education

We want to create a center that makes a difference!

How we achieve our vision

Emergency housing for families and children:
During their stay, parents receive vocational training and support to help them establish a sustainable income when they leave the center.

Preschool activities:
Children aged 0–6 receive basic educational stimulation while their parents work. Families who are able to support themselves pay a small fee.

Support for schoolchildren:
We collaborate with local schools to provide food, books, uniforms, shoes, and exam fees.

Extra lessons and homework help:
Students who need additional support receive help to succeed in school and stay motivated.

A small farm and poultry:
This provides employment and a small income for the center’s operations.

Our goal is to gradually expand our operations to be able to help even more children and families!

THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Sustainability is more than a goal for us – it is the very heart of our family center. We want to build something that is not only strong today, but also provides security, hope, and opportunities for future generations. Every step we take in the project, from the construction process to daily operations, is guided by care for both people and the environment.

We are inspired by the UN’s Global Goals and, during construction, have chosen to focus especially on the following goals:

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
We build bridges between people and organizations, both locally and internationally, in Ghana and Sweden.

Building with nature - not against it

We want the center to be a place in harmony with its surroundings. That’s why we have chosen to use the rammed earth method, where sand and clay are tightly compacted to create strong and durable walls. This is a natural construction technique that is not only beautiful and environmentally friendly, but also provides a cool indoor climate without the need for energy-intensive cooling.

We also work with local materials and resources. In this way, we reduce the carbon footprint while simultaneously strengthening the local community—both economically and socially.

Strong collaborations

This project would not have been possible without our partners.
With support from Engineers Without Borders, we have gained invaluable expertise in sustainable construction. Together with the Swedish-Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce, we also receive local knowledge and contacts that help us move forward.

Together with people

For us, sustainability is not just about buildings, but also about people. We want the center to be a project that empowers throughout the journey. By employing local labor, job opportunities are created and knowledge is shared within the community. In this way, more people can take part in building something they can truly feel proud of.

A long-term vision

We dream of the family center being more than just a building—it should be a symbol of community, hope for the future, and sustainable development. By working side by side with the local population, we aim to create the conditions for a better and more sustainable everyday life for children and families—today and for many years to come.

OUR PROGRESS

2014-2018

Land purchase & registration

We have purchased 1 hectare of land and completed the registration process in Ghana’s national land rights registry.

Drawings & planning

Together with architect Johanna Wickström, we have developed the blueprints for the center.

Implementation

The local construction company Fusion Design Studios Accra has been contracted to lead the construction.

Security

A wall has been built around the property to provide safety and security.

Construction documents

A local construction company has been contracted to prepare the structural drawings and all the documentation required for the building permit application.