More than 400 children and adolescents in the Chwinto community near Doboro Nsawam in the Eastern Region have benefited from the third edition of the Hope In Sight Foundation’s annual charity outreach dubbed “Make a Child Smile.”
The outreach programme, held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, provided free eye screening, basic healthcare services, school kits, and hot meals to children between the ages of one and 17. For many of the beneficiaries, the event marked their first-ever opportunity to undergo an eye examination.
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Medical professionals conducted comprehensive eye screenings and general health checks, referring cases that required further medical attention. In addition to the healthcare services, the children received school kits containing essential stationery and were treated to hot meals in an atmosphere enlivened by music and games.
The “Make a Child Smile” initiative began in January 2024 as a personal birthday outreach and has since evolved into an annual flagship programme of the Hope In Sight Foundation.
Hope In Sight Foundation is a humanitarian, non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the vision and overall wellbeing of vulnerable children, particularly in underserved communities. With a strong focus on eye care and community health outreach, the foundation seeks to bridge gaps in access to essential medical services, especially for preventable and treatable eye conditions that often go undetected.
The foundation provides free eye care services, including vision screening, basic eye examinations, and referrals for advanced treatment when necessary. By taking these services directly into communities, it ensures that children who may be excluded due to financial or geographical barriers receive timely care that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Beyond eye care, the foundation integrates broader community health education into its outreach programmes, creating awareness on hygiene, preventive care, and the importance of early detection of eye and health-related challenges. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are also engaged as part of these efforts.
The organisation was founded by Adjoa Obuo Duodu, whose personal experience with high myopia inspired the foundation’s mission. She has often spoken about the emotional, academic, and social impact untreated vision problems can have on children.
According to her, poor vision in childhood not only affects sight but also undermines confidence, limits learning potential, and narrows future opportunities. This understanding continues to shape the foundation’s emphasis on early intervention and compassionate care as tools for long-term empowerment.
The 2026 outreach was attended by members of the foundation’s board, volunteers, medical personnel, and friends of the organisation, who supported the smooth execution of the programme and engaged with children and families throughout the day.
Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Ms Duodu described the outreach as deeply personal.
“Growing up with high myopia myself, I understand how untreated vision challenges can affect a child’s confidence, learning, and future. This outreach is about giving children the chance to see clearly and dream boldly,” she said.
Community leaders in Chwinto welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They noted that access to preventive eye care and early health interventions is critical to improving children’s academic performance, confidence, and overall wellbeing in underserved communities.
The outreach was delivered with support from corporate and individual partners. Fidelity Bank Ghana partnered the programme as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, while Peeva Beverages provided refreshments. Individual donors and volunteers also contributed to the success of the event.
