Two units of Ghana's mission in Cote d’Ivoire has donated a washing machine and its accessories, cash and food items to the Pouponniere Orphanage in Bouake on Sunday 10 July 2011.

The 10th Ghana Aviation Unit (GHAV 10) and the 7th Ghana Medical Level II (GHANMED 7) serving with the United Nations Operations in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), donated the items as part of the Ghanaian Contingent’s humanitarian responsibility to the needs of the population, especially children.

Wing Commander Joshua Mensah - Larkai Commander GHAV 10, who presented the items, said the donation was an exhibition of the Ghanaian Contingent's desire to serve the people of Cote d'Ivoire not only through peacekeeping duties but to share with them, the little they have in times of difficulty and as a kind gesture to the children." For the past five years Ghana Aviation Unit in Bouake has adopted the Orphanage and shown love and care for the Orphans", he added.

Wing Commander Mensah-Lakai on behalf of the Ghanaian Contingent in Bouake also made a cash donation of CFA 100, 000.00 to the Orphanage.

Madam Ade Mariam, Director of the Orphanage, thanked the Ghanaian Contingent for their kind gesture. She said the items especially the washing machine would go a long way to ameliorate the already overburdened and old ones at their disposal and to also assist in hygiene of the orphans.

The Pouponniere Orphanage in Bouake was established in 1974. Since its establishment, the Ghana Aviation Unit has for the past five years been a major source of assistance to the Institution.

In another development, the Ghana Aviation football team beat the UNOCI Sector East Civilian football team by a lone goal in a friendly match, on the Saturday 18 June 2011.

Robison Omane-Agyei (Fg Offr), GHANCON PIO (UNOCI), Reporting from Bouake.