Nicolette Lorraway

This month the Jamestown Community Theatre Centre is opening in one of Accra's poorest suburbs. The youth in Jamestown are suffering - poverty is high, many can't afford to go to school, and unemployment is soaring. As a consequence, teenage pregnancy and domestic and sexual abuse are common.

Supported by Theatre for a Change, the Jamestown Community Theatre Centre will educate and empower young Ghanaians on sexual reproductive health, HIV and gender rights. It will host art, dance, theatre and music workshops that deal with sensitive issues and encourage kids to express themselves in creative ways.

For most young people, these issues are not discussed at school or in the home; these workshops are their only chance to learn about condoms, or find out about the risks of HIV. With this empowerment, they can bring about development in their community, ranging from health, education and unemployment.

But we need your help to open! We are hoping to raise $400 to pay for an opening event; chairs, a PA system, water for attendees and posters to invite the community to the event. Your donation will help to inform locals about the the centre, and give this new cultural hub the welcome it deserves.