Mr. Lu Yongshou, Chinese Ambassador in Ghana on Thursday presented 20 electric sewing machines through the Ministry of Women's Affairs to two non- governmental organisations in Accra.

The two beneficiaries, Catholic Action on Street Children and International Needs, had ten machines each.Mrs. Gladys Asmah, Minister of Women's Affairs said her ministry has a mission to champion the cause of women and children through the promotion of gender equality to achieve equal status, opportunities and rights for women, men, girls and boys for development.

Mrs. Asmah expressed concern about the plight of street children and urged government and non-governmental agencies to initiate programmes to help them acquire skills to earn a decent living.

She called on the beneficiaries to maintain and make good use of the machines. Mr. Lu said the donation, though modest, is to strengthen relations with the new government in all areas. He commended Ghanaian women for the important role they are playing to ensure political stability.

Jos Van Dinther of the Catholic Action on Street Children said his organisation is embarking on a head count of street children in Accra.

He said currently there are about 17,370 children on the streets 50 per cent of whom are girls, with the majority being teenage mothers with no access to job training.

Mr. Wisdom Mensah, Project Co-ordinator of International Needs expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for the donation.