FLC logo
Ghana Reg No. CG005770124

Welcome to the Friends of Little Children (FLC)

We are in the process of registering the charity in the UK and proceeds will be going towards building works & resources in Ghana & resources in the UK.

Donate Contact Us

Welcome to the Friends of Little Children (FLC)

We are in the process of registering the charity in the UK and proceeds will be going towards building works & resources in Ghana & resources in the UK.

Donate Contact Us

FLC is a non-profit organisation, a nursery school with the initiative to bring out great potentials in children in the UK and in Ghana within the early years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Based on a Christian ethos, we want to follow Jesus’ example by loving and caring for children in need, providing a good foundation to make the most of their abilities and talents.

Disability in Ghana

Disability is prevalent in Ghana and around 5 million people in Ghana live with a disability, which is around one- fifth of the total population (Disability Rights Convention Ratified-2012). Children with disabilities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society.

Children with any form of disability often are said to be hidden in their communities. According to Ghana’s 2010 Population and Housing Census data, one in three out-of-school children are not in school due to some form of disability (UNICEF Connect-Eulette Ewart-Communication Manager at UNICEF Ghana).

Most of the children are shunned for their disability, marginalised and forgotten. According to research, one child in every five aged six to 24 years with a disability has never attended school and they are often left at home, unable to go outside the house let alone make it to school. Those who are in school are often stigmatized and face discrimination on a daily basis in the form of negative attitudes. Some of the parents have rejected them and some of the children have even been left on their own to die in some cases. These children are sometimes deprived from realizing their rights to education, healthcare, and even survival.

Usually, there is a stigma attached to their disability which makes it challenging for families to step out boldly into the community with their child. In spite of the government’s inclusive education policy, these children are still at risk of stigma (UNICEF-Ghana).

Children's Disability in the UK

At FLC, we believe that children with SEND as well as their families should also enjoy an equal standard of living as others. Families caring for a child with SEND or with a chronic illness, need additional resources to address disability-related needs. Therefore, at FLC charity we also support families as children are not independent.

In 2011 and 2012, a research study revealed that about 800,000 children within the 0–15 years age range, lived with a disability in Great Britain. Data in the UK revealed that poverty is associated with 21% of children with a disability as compared to 16% of children without a disability (The European Journal of Health, 2018). In 2021/22, an estimated 16.0 million people in the UK had a disability and the figure represents 24% of the total population and about 11% of children were disabled (House of Commons Library, 2023).

Child hands up

The Founder & CEO of FLC

Efua Longdon, the Founder and CEO of The Friends of Little Children (FLC) charity enjoys working with children. This has been evident throughout her work experience over the past twenty years as a childcare practitioner and provider. With her knowledge and expertise in childcare and early childhood development, she has supported both staff and children in various ways including children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). She has taught, guided and nurtured children, including two of her own in developing to their full potential and to bring out the best in them. Having worked with children, Efua realised that indeed every child was a ‘Unique Child’.

Throughout her work experience in childcare and her knowledge in higher education, Efua has waxed certain qualities needed within the childcare workforce always bringing a smile to the ‘Unique Child’s’ face, regardless of the challenges that sometimes comes with her job, especially having worked with children with SEN.

Efua was keen to gain more knowledge and understanding in Early Years Education, for the ‘Unique Child’ holistically because she believed and realised that the ‘Unique’ is capable to achieve and develop to their full potential. Efua then went on to further her education and she was awarded with the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Early Childhood Studies. During her research studies on the MA program, she discovered the disadvantages children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) could experience with regards to their education. For example resourcing, instruction, accessibility and support.

Through her hard work, dedication and commitment, Efua founded the Friends of Little Children (FLC) charity.

Efua longdon founder

CEO & Director of FLC - Efua Longdon

Our Mission

Friends of Little Children is based on a Christian ethos about the ways in which Jesus related to children during His ministry. He was a friend of little children indeed and as such we would also extend this friendship to all children of different faiths, beliefs or cultural backgrounds.

“Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mathew 19:14).

As The Friends of Little Children also, we want to follow Jesus’ example by loving and caring for children in need and to provide them with a good foundation to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up and help shape themselves into the person they want to be.

Our Vision

At FLC, we believe that every child is ‘Unique’ and every child deserves the best possible start in life regardless of their disability and the support that enables the ‘Unique Child’ to fulfil his/her full potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and the child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances.

Our vision for children within the 0-8 age range with special educational needs and disability is that they learn, develop and achieve well in their early years to make a good transition to school, college, and adulthood. Also, we will support local partners when necessary to protect, educate and empower children with disabilities so they are able to fulfil their potential.

Values

  • Empathy and respect is at the centre of our work with the children.
  • We’re passionate about the holistic development of children under our care
  • We’re ambitious for our children
  • We co-operate with other organisations both locally and internationally to get the best outcomes for our children.
  • We're inclusive in our provision of services to our children regardless of disability, traditions, culture, religion or gender.
Child on railing
“Disability is natural. We must stop believing that disabilities keep a person from doing something. Because that’s not true…Having a disability doesn’t stop me from doing anything”
- Benjamin Snow
“I am officially disabled, but I’m truly enabled because of my lack of limbs. My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need”
- Nick Vujicic
“For me, disability is a way of getting some extremity, some kind of very difficult situation, that throws an interesting light on people”
- Mark Haddon
“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you are needed by someone”
- Martina Navratilova

The Four Overarching Principles

The ‘Unique Child’

At FLC, we believe that every child is ‘Unique’ who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable individuals. Babies and children develop in individual ways and at varying rates.

We will value and respect the diversity of each child and no child or family is discriminated against.

Positive Relationships

Our children will learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

Our interactions with children and their families will be based on caring professional relationships and respectful acknowledgement of the feelings of our children and their families.

Enabling Environments

Our children will learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs.

The enabling environment at FLC will support our children’s learning through planned experiences and activities that are challenging but achievable.

This will give our children the confidence to explore and learn in a secure and safe, yet challenging, indoor and outdoor spaces.

Areas of learning and development
Ghana & UK Curriculum

There are seven areas of learning and development in Early Childhood Education as stated in the Early Years Foundation Stage (eyfs) curriculum framework. All the areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

The Prime Areas:
  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social & emotional development
The Specific Areas Are:
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive arts and design

Our Services

  • Inclusive teaching
  • Donations and Support for our children and their families- Clothing Bank ( Good Condition) and non-perishable Food Bank.
  • Therapeutic Interventions for our families
  • Information on immunisations and ID card registration
  • Attracting more fathers into their children’s education
  • Literacy support projects
  • Guidance on maternity and breast feeding
  • Starting solid foods guidance/information
  • Transitions for children with SEN and disabilities
  • Healthy Eating & Physical Activity
  • Home Schooling
  • Outreach services
  • Clinical services
Friends

Working Together Holistically

Healthy Early Years Ghana (HEYG) Program

We are passionate about the holistic development of all our children in our care and as such proper nutrition is vital to the ‘Unique Child’s ‘overall growth and wellbeing.

The CEO & Director of FLC has put together the HEYG program which is in line with the Healthy Early Years London (HEYL) program to support & encourage our parents and practitioners to develop and to expand their focus on the health and wellbeing for the children as well as the staff. The HEYG program will help to reduce health inequalities by supporting a healthy start to the lives of our children across themes that include healthy eating, oral hygiene and physical health and early cognitive development.

We will extend the initiative to other organisations and offering them with opportunities and support to provide the best food possible and fun active play for children through advice, signposting and training. This includes snack ideas, planning menus and training on nutritional guidelines for children.

Kids holding hands
Improving the lives of children within the early years with disabilities & special educational needs.
Our future is potentially great in your kind gesture
Making high quality provision to meet the needs of children within the early years with Special educational Needs and disability (SEND).
Working in partnership with parents/carers and other professionals for our children’s well-being, learning and development.
Empowering our families for the ‘unique child’s’ excellence
Providing our children with a secure foundation for lifelong excellence
FLC - For an effective first quality teaching in children with Special Educational Needs and disability (SEND).
Developing the ‘Unique Child’ holistically for a brighter future
Preparing our children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND) holistically for lifelong excellence
Supporting our practitioners to increase their knowledge and skills in working with children within the early years with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND).
A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.
Special educational provision”, for a child aged two or more or a young person, means educational or training provision that is additional to, or different from, that made generally for others of the same age in mainstream schools and childcare settings.
A disabled person is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on his or her ability to do normal daily activities.
Enrichment before the classroom
Future Leaders, Respect and Empathy

Association of Special Educational Needs and Disability (ASEND).

The Association of Special Educational Needs and Disability is a membership organisation working with and for special needs and disability centres and schools in the independent, voluntary and private sectors within Ghana. We will be working in partnership with members, other organisations and the central government to achieve this.

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Fth logo

Feed The Hungry UK

We are partners with Feed The Hungry Uk to support us with our mission as well as supporting us to provide highly nutritious and fortified meals for our children both in the Uk and in Ghana.

Staff Continuous Professional Development In-house Training

  • Safer Recruitment
  • Sexual violence and harassment
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Moving and handling
  • Introduction to Child Development
  • Mental wellbeing in Children and Young People
  • Child emotional health & wellbeing
  • A practical Guide to data Protection
  • Adult mental health & wellbeing
  • Food Hygiene and Safety
  • Introduction to Fire safety
  • Domestic Abuse: Children and Young People
  • Smoking, alcohol & substance misuse
  • Child Sexual Exploitation
  • Female genital Mutilation Awareness
  • Child safety awareness and advice
  • Sleep
  • Toilet training and hygiene
Staff training

Keep In Touch

We would like to keep you updated on the impact you have made and share experiences/opportunities to help others. We will be mindful and sensitive on how often we communicate with you and do update your preferences at any time.

We will never share or swap data with any other organisation and we will store your details securely, respecting your trust and privacy.

Your donations and act of generosity will be welcoming and very much appreciated which will indeed open yourself to greatness “a gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great” Proverbs 18:16.

With your support, the children will undoubtedly enjoy and achieve, they will be safe and healthy as they would be happy which will enable them to learn and to develop to their full potential. This will in turn impact their lives to enable them to make a positive contribution in the society.

Children writing

Pray Without Ceasing

Many thanks for praying with The Friends of Little Children today! We are very grateful and we are passionate about prayers because as The Friends of Little Children, we also believe we have been given the mandate to pray for others. “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them” (1 Timothy 2:1) .

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!

Kindly let us know how we can support you in prayers by submitting your prayer request in the form below. Please give a brief comment in the box below and please Do NOT include contact information or any sensitive details.

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Your Prayer Request

Job Vacancies & Recruitment

Volunteering with us

Volunteering with us as a kind gesture to help working with the children and their families will indeed go a long way to support the team. Perhaps you could help with teaching and learning within the early years, perhaps to pack clothes or to pack non-perishable food. If you are in a position of influence, your company could contribute non-perishable food items, medical, educational, agricultural or building supplies towards future projects.

Job Application Form
Adult volunteer showing bug jar to children

Local Events

All local events will be displayed on here.

Trustees

Madam christabelle

Efua Longdon

Efua obtained her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Early Childhood Studies at the London Metropolitan University. She obtained her first Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Education and Employment at St. Mary's University College in London and obtained a level 4 Advanced Practitioner in Early Years with Cache.

Efua is passionate about children, especially children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She exhibits strong leadership skills which are important in the development of children and children with SEND. She believes every child deserves quality education which is crucial in bringing out the best in them to be who they aspire to be in the future.

With Efua achieving a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Early Childhood Studies, she is always open to learn and do more for the ‘Unique Child’ to reach greater heights.

Ama

Ama deGraft-Johnson

Ama enjoys working with children indeed and she once worked at the children’s hospital in Accra (Ghana), at the nutrition and rehabilitation centre. She guided mothers about the importance of healthy eating and the need to cook healthy and nutritious meals for the growth and development of their child/children.

She has studied children’s behaviour and has been able to put together strategies/games to improve upon their learning skills. She studied family and child sciences at the University of Ghana, Legon, and is currently studying paediatric nursing at the University of Ghana, Legon.

She holds the offices of the Physical Activity & Nutrition Coordinator (PANCo), for FLC. Also, she is a staunch member of our prayer team.

Gilbert

Gilbert Quainoo

Mr Quainoo is a professional teacher with seventeen years of experience. He had his diploma and degree in basic education at the University of Cape Coast and University of Education Winneba, respectively. Gilbert is the current local chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers and the Central Regional Coordinator for Ghana Society for Education Technology.

Gilbert takes pride in his profession as a teacher and “as a good facilitator”, he takes delight in recognising children’s achievements due to the knowledge he impacts on children.

As a member of the trustees for FLC, Gilbert is the site Manager for the nursery in Ghana. Gilbert is also a member of our prayer team.

Kenneth

Kenneth Nii Ayitey Nunoo

Kenneth is a Graphic Designer by profession with over five years experience in the creative design industry. He acquired his Higher National Diploma (Commercial Arts, Textiles) and Bachelor of Technology (Industrial Arts, Textiles) at Takoradi Technical University.

He is a dynamic individual and he is full of expertise as a Graphic Designer. He is proactive, hardworking and conscientious. Kenneth takes delight in being in the company of children and he would safeguard them especially at public places. Kenneth is also a member of our prayer team and it is a pleasure to have him on board.

Kenneth holds the offices of the Digital Manager for FLC and he is responsible for all graphic designs for FLC.

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