‘An empty sack cannot stand.’ With those words Habib Albeboure captures the reasons why ATE was founded in 2012. He is the main narrator in the recently released and much anticipated documentary, highlighting the work of ATE in Lawra, Upper West Ghana. The film was shown to a packed audience in Ramsbury’s Memorial Hall, on a very rainy Saturday in May.
ATE (Action Through Enterprise) is a small Ramsbury- based charity founded by Sarah Gardner and her family following her time as a VSO volunteer in Ghana. Sarah, a former Primary School Teacher, was sent to oversee the education received by children in Lawra, a very remote part of North West Ghana. A place devoid of infrastructure, of extreme poverty and neglected by central government. Sarah discovered that the attendance at school was low simply because the children were too malnourished to learn.
The was the second showing of the film, the first having taken place in London to an audience at YouGov, in Old Street.
The documentary was created free of charge, by Epiphany Productions. Asif Noorani and Graham Tilley spent 10 very hot, dusty and busy days in early 2016 recording the progress made by ATE since it’s founding.
Sir John Sawers, a retired diplomat and former head of MI6, introduced the film. He talked principally of his work as am Ambassador to the UN during which time he worked on development projects. The emphasis of his speech was the success of ATE in lifting people out of poverty by encouraging them to earn their own living their community, and being responsible for their families. He praised Sarah for all that she has achieved in Lawra with these guiding principles. He praised her too for her amazing dedication of her small team of volunteers who work so hard both in Ramsbury and Lawra to help sustain the valuable work the charity is doing.
The film was powerful, very movingly spoken in the works of the people of Lawra who are understandably grateful for what ATE has enabled them to achieve. There was a standing ovation at the end of the film, where Sarah, obviously moved herself, departed from her speech and gave a heartfelt thanks to all who donate to the charity, emphasising that fundraising is an ever present issue and that continued giving (through standing order) is the most helpful.
It was an amazing evening; funny, warm hearted, touching, moving, powerful and thought provoking.
By Mair Reed, ATE Volunteer
You can read more about The ATE Film at https://ateghana.org/a-night-at-the-movies-by-kevin-dennis/