The Nandom CHALICE Site on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, held its annual Christmas party, bringing together sponsored children, their families, sponsors, and staff to celebrate the season and give thanks to God for life and good health.
The event, which has become a yearly tradition, began with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Nandom, where participants prayed for continued protection and blessings for the children and their families.
As part of the celebration, CHALICE distributed food packages and cash support to beneficiaries. In all, 625 sponsored children each received a food package alongside a cash token of GHC150, meant to support their parents in preparing meals for other family members not directly enrolled on the CHALICE programme.
The gesture was aimed at easing the economic burden on families during the festive season and reinforcing the programme’s commitment to holistic child and family support.
Speaking at the event, Mr Castro Aasoglenang, Project Coordinator for the CHALICE Nandom Site, explained that the annual Christmas party serves as a moment of gratitude and solidarity. He noted that December is traditionally set aside to reunite sponsors, children, and families to reflect on the year and share love.
According to him, beyond the food and cash support, the gathering strengthens relationships and reassures families that they are not alone in caring for their children.
Mr Aasoglenang further announced that, aside the family support packages, CHALICE also made a donation of detergents to the Nandom Health Centre. He explained that while previous donations had often gone to the Nandom Hospital, the decision this year was to support other health facilities that are equally in need, in line with CHALICE’s broader community support approach.
Receiving the donation, Madam Kaabo Amalia, the Health-in-Charge of the Nandom Health Centre, expressed heartfelt appreciation to CHALICE for the support. She stated that detergents are essential for maintaining hygiene and infection control at the facility, and the donation would significantly support their daily operations. She commended CHALICE for remembering the health sector and appealed for continued collaboration to improve healthcare delivery in the municipality.
One of the beneficiaries, Fabian Nongmebiir, a 15-year-old pupil from Nandomkpee in JHS 3, shared his excitement about the support received. He said the food package and cash assistance would help his family enjoy the Christmas season and motivate him to focus on his education. Fabian thanked CHALICE and his sponsor for standing by him and helping him stay in school.
Another beneficiary, Naawere Patience, a 13-year-old Form Two student from Danko, also expressed gratitude to CHALICE and its sponsors. She said the support brings joy to her family every Christmas and encourages her to work harder in school. Patience noted that being part of the CHALICE programme has given her hope for a better future.
In his address, Mr Domemile Charles, Director of the CHALICE Nandom Site, highlighted the long-term vision of the organisation, which goes beyond material support. He explained that CHALICE focuses on education, health, and family empowerment, ensuring that children grow up in a supportive and dignified environment. According to him, the Christmas party is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of CHALICE’s mission to transform lives through shared responsibility and compassion.
Mr Domemile Charles further commended sponsors for their unwavering commitment and urged parents to continue supporting their children’s education and well-being. He also thanked staff, volunteers, and community leaders for their dedication throughout the year. He concluded by encouraging all beneficiaries to make good use of the support received and to approach the coming year with renewed hope and determination.
The 2025 CHALICE Nandom Site Christmas celebration ended in an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, reflecting the true spirit of Christmas and reinforcing the organisation’s impact on children, families, and the wider Nandom community.
Mohammed Abdulai
Nandom-Upper West Region.
