There is a beautiful story that came out of Hamburg, Germany this past weekend that will have a huge impact on Hope for Ghana’s mission and the children in Ghana. On the heels of Hope for Ghana’s recent opening of The Elena Haasen Library, I am proud to announce that Hope for Ghana will be officially supported by the teen fan group of FC St. Pauli, a professional football (soccer) team in Hamburg. FC St. Pauli is known for its support of social projects and activities against racism and injustice. Elena Haasen was an avid member of their fan club. On Sunday teenagers, including Elena’s sister Lia, collected donations outside the stadium, with all proceeds going towards the expansion of The Elena Haasen Library this fall to include a computer lab and many more books.
Yesterday afternoon before a full stadium of 30,000 fans Elena Haasen was honored by FC St. Pauli just before the game against Leipzig. Unbeknownst to her parents who were at the game, the official stadium newspaper included the article seen below in Sunday’s edition. Portions of the article were read in an announcement just before the game, while the image of The Elena Haasen Library sign was projected on the announcement board. It had to be an incredible and unimaginable moment for Elena’s family and friends.
For those who don’t speak and read German, here is the translation of the article:
Elli in the Heart of a Library in Ghana
This year in Ghana a school library, dedicated to Elena Haasen, was established for children who otherwise cannot afford an education.
Elena Haasen, also known as Elli, was a beloved, strong and happy person from Altona. She died suddenly from Leukemia this past fall much too soon (at age 16) while on her exchange year in Ecuador. She was an engaged, politically active person. She fought for a better world; for example, she was committed to the rights of refugees, and took part in many demonstrations and events against the conservative right. The grief we feel is immense, but this we know: she will live forever in our hearts. And not just there, but also, since the end of last year it has become clear that she would have a place of honor in Ghana!
In Ghana this spring as part of an aid project (hopeforghana.com), a library in a primary school in the Volta Region was established through donations. Late last year Elli’s father spoke with Steve Greene, a college friend and the founder of the project, and told him about the death of his oldest daughter. Steve was deeply affected by this news because Elli was a great person, as exemplified by her political awareness, who surely would have changed a great deal in our world. He spontaneously decided to dedicate the library, a great project, to Elena.
The library was created for children who otherwise never would have access to books. The “Ragazzi”, the teen fan group of FC St. Pauli is officially supporting the library. Elli was a faithful Ragazzi member and therefore the fan group decided to endorse the project. They have embarked on a symbolic partnership with Jan-Philipp Kalla to support The Elena Haasen Library. They are gathering donations for the project at all entrances at today’s game against Leipzig. A donation box can also be found at the Fanladen St Pauli (St Pauli’s fan store).
Information: www.hopeforghana.com
Ina Bombla (16 years), Ragazzi-member
This story out of Hamburg, Germany continues to amaze and touch me. A million thanks to FC St. Pauli and their fans in Germany for this amazing support. Thank you for what you have given to the children in Ghana, but just as importantly what you have given to the Haasen family.
