Children in James Town were treated to a day of food, learning and recreation when the US-based non-profit DISU Foundation held a community outreach and food drive on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The event, held at a graffiti-decorated venue between Ussher Fort and James Town Café, was themed “Empowering Communities, Inspiring Change.” It brought together volunteers, residents and children for a programme designed to support both the nutritional and developmental needs of young people in the community.

Beyond providing meals, the foundation organised educational quizzes and games, including lime and spoon races, sack races and musical chairs. Winners received prizes aimed at encouraging the competitive spirit the community is known for. Music and playtime added to what organisers described as a lively and engaging atmosphere for the children.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DISU Foundation, Reem Disu, said the initiative was part of the organisation’s broader effort to extend its social impact beyond the United States.

“We wanted to come support this community because there's so much talent here with the youth,” she said, noting James Town’s “rich history” and reputation for producing sports figures who achieve international success.

She explained that while every child has talent, not all are given the opportunity to develop it, adding that the food drive was intended to “help fuel them so they can study and pursue their sports.”

Ms Disu described the experience as deeply fulfilling.

“I’m filled with so much happiness seeing the excitement, potential, vibrancy,” she said, highlighting the quizzes and playtime as moments she would not forget.

She also expressed appreciation to her team, volunteers, donors and partners for their contributions.

“Without their help, DISU Foundation could not have fulfilled its mission,” she said.

The CEO revealed that the foundation has been involved in philanthropic work for the past five to six years, evolving from a family-led initiative into a structured organisation working with partners to achieve greater impact.

“It went from just being a family initiative… to now doing full-on community events like this one today,” she said, adding that Derek Strictland is her co-founder.

This year’s programme marks the foundation’s second outreach in Ghana. In 2025, DISU supported schools in Tamale and Yendi, in northern Ghana, by providing educational supplies to three senior high schools.

| Reem Disu 

Volunteers at the James Town event also shared their motivations for participating.

Abdul Malik Salifu, a visual artist who specialises in traditional decorative fans, said he was happy to volunteer for the first time after being introduced to the initiative by his brother.

“We are here to give our time because what she [Reem] is doing is good,” he said, expressing confidence in DISU Foundation’s ability to support young people.

He added that he was particularly moved by the focus on children.

“Anything that will help children grow is something everybody has to have in mind,” he noted.

Mr Salifu, who is a General Arts student in senior high school, said he hopes to become a journalist and described volunteering as a way to give back.

“Just blessings,” he said, were what he hoped to receive. “Because when you're helping, definitely you'll also get help from someone one day.”

| Malik (L) with fellow volunteers 

Another volunteer, Nicholina Tetteh, a hairdresser and native of James Town, said she was invited by the event’s master of ceremonies (MC).

“He told me we would take care of children,” she said, expressing joy at being part of the initiative.

Ms Tetteh said she believes the children in the community have the potential to become prominent members of society and urged DISU Foundation to continue its efforts. She added that she enjoys working with children and was happy to see them learn and play.

| Nicholina

For Ms Disu, the event also provided an opportunity to reconnect with her roots. She noted that she was born to Ghanaian parents and comes from a philanthropic family.

She thanked the people of James Town for their warm reception and active participation, as she saw “the fight” and passion the community is famous for.

“The children definitely have a lot of energy and a lot of potential and it showed today as they showcased their talents,” she said.

“It was great, all in all.”

The outreach reflected DISU Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.