A COUPLE from Ringwood have returned from Ghana were they met the eight teenagers they have been sponsoring since childhood.

Robin and Elizabeth Grey started sponsoring seven children in 2009 - Cecillia, Penelle, Hannah, Enoch, Naomi, Bright and Augustina - as well as Frederick in 2012, through the charity Compassion UK.

Mrs Grey, 66, said: “Our neighbour told us about Compassion. We knew we wanted to support children who didn’t have much. She showed us the letters from her sponsored children and we loved how personal it was so decided to sponsor ourselves, it’s been such a blessing to be part of the children’s lives.

“We now make the visit every year to show that we care about them and that we are deeply interested in their lives. The children have all shot up, especially Hannah, 14, who was by far the shortest last time we saw her. I didn’t know children could grow so much in just over a year.

“We got to visit Cecillia in her family home and it was lovely to meet her mother, stepfather and siblings - they made us feel so welcome. I was shocked to see they all live in one room with one very thin mattress on the floor which they all have to sleep on. Despite this they take real pride in their home, everyone removes their shoes upon entering."

Cecillia, 16, lives in the coastal community of Apam, 52km east of Cape Coast. Typically houses are constructed of cement floors, brick walls and tin roofs. Most adults in Apam work as fishermen and earn the equivalent of just over £23 per month.

Mr Grey added: “It’s amazing to see how each child has developed and grown in confidence over the years. Through the projects, they have been equipped with so many skills and given the opportunity to develop their own gifts and passions. We found out that Cecillia has now completed school and will be training as a hairdresser and beautician.

"I am so happy she is following her dreams," the 67-year-old said.

In Ghana, basic education for school-aged children is free but parents still need to pay for meals, transportation and uniforms, which can be a struggle for those living in poverty. Classrooms can be overcrowded and there is often a lack of well-trained teachers, teaching resources and adequate school facilities.

The Grey’s sponsorship of £25 a month per child enables the children to be part of their local Compassion project where they receive nutritious meals, support, medical attention and the chance to get a good quality education.