A student-led community outreach initiative, Project Dignity, has brought together students, lecturers, supporters and community members to provide essential items and meaningful engagement for residents of the Weija Leprosarium.
The initiative, undertaken by students of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) under the ORAVOX Initiative, culminated in a donation presentation at the facility on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Project Dignity was conceived as an opportunity to respond to identified needs within the community while applying principles of development communication, resource mobilisation, advocacy and community engagement.
Following an engagement with the management of the facility, the team identified a number of essential needs and subsequently reached out to individuals, organisations, lecturers, friends, families and other well-wishers for support.
The mobilisation resulted in the collection of essential items including food items, bottled water, toiletries, sanitary materials, tissue products and other supplies for the residents.
Speaking during the presentation, the Group Leader, Fafa Peace Bankas, said the initiative had become much more than an academic exercise.
“We came here to give, but we also came to learn. Our visit has shown us that beyond the circumstances of the residents are people with stories, talents and dreams that deserve to be seen and heard.”
The students were welcomed by representatives of the facility before one of the residents shared a brief history of the Weija Leprosarium, giving the team an opportunity to understand more about the institution and its history from the perspective of someone within the community.
Dr. Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng, a lecturer at UniMAC, also addressed the gathering and shared remarks with the students, reinforcing the importance of taking classroom knowledge into real community settings.
The team also received words of encouragement and advice from Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, who has dedicated significant time to supporting people affected by leprosy and other vulnerable persons.
Beyond the donation, the visit exposed the students to stories and talents within the community.
One of the residents, who is a musician, performed one of his songs for the visiting team and used the opportunity to appeal to the public to support his musical work.
The students also visited an art gallery within the facility, where they discovered the creative works of one of the residents. Among the works was a portrait of the Member of Parliament for the Weija-Gbawe Constituency, which the artist had drawn himself.
The experience gave the students a different perspective of the community, challenging them to look beyond the circumstances associated with the Leprosarium and recognise the people, creativity, abilities and stories within it.
For the team, the experience reinforced the belief that development communication is not only about creating awareness but also about listening, connecting, giving people a voice and responding to real community needs.
Project Dignity also sought to promote dignity, compassion, social inclusion and community support, while providing students with practical experience in resource mobilisation and community engagement.
The team expressed its appreciation to Dr. Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, UniMAC FOCALS, fellow students, donors, friends, families, organisations, supporters, and the management and residents of the Weija Leprosarium for their various contributions to the initiative.
The students are currently putting together a documentary on Project Dignity, which will take viewers beyond the donation to explore the history of the Weija Leprosarium and some of the stories, talents, creativity and experiences the team encountered during its visit.
According to the team, the documentary will highlight a side of the community that is often overlooked and encourage the public to see the residents not only through the challenges they have experienced, but also through their humanity, abilities and dignity.
Project Dignity — Beyond the Donation.
