Relevance of Communication Strategies and Funding Orphanages in Ghana

Abstract

This paper examined the relevance of communications strategies in improving domestic funding of orphanages in Ghana and in particular SOS Children Villages. With funding diculties being faced by both State and non-State actors such United Nations Children’s Fund, most of the orphanages are struggling to generate enough funds to take care of the social needs of the orphanages. The study used quantitative (constructivist) and qualitative (motivations, ideas and opinions) methods to address the key objectives of the paper – funding deciencies and the critical role of the media and communication strategies in solving the problem. It established the importance of communication strategies using media dependency and advocacy theories for social mobilization and behavioural change. The paper concludes that orphanages need a communication strategic plan for advocacy and resource mobilisation. A key recommendation is for a national policy framework to assist establish an endowment fund for orphanages. Such a national policy should make it mandatory for the Ghanaian media to oer their platforms for advocacy and fundraising activities by the orphanages.

Keywords: Communication, Funding, Media, Orphanages, SOS CV Ghana