When word spread that a massive earthquake had struck Turkey and Syria in February, the children of Becky’s Foundation, a Ghanaian residential home, and school, began to pray.
A young man known as “uncle” or “Father Christian” by many was lost in the rubble.
To the rest of the world, he was Christian Atsu, an international footballer who had previously played for Premier League clubs Newcastle and Everton before joining his current club Hatayspor.
But he was a pillar of support for the kids, showing up unexpectedly on visits wearing football shirts and leading them in games.
Seth Asiedu, the project’s director, recalls his first visit: “It was like a festival.
“The entire community came out in force to catch a glimpse of him… Then there was a game with different Newcastle jerseys for the girls and boys.”
As the son of a fisherman, 31-year-old Atsu had struggled to get to training and purchase football boots – and he was determined to help children who had had a similar start.
As a result, when the news of the footballer’s death finally broke, many people were heartbroken. All of the children have received counseling.
And the question of who will continue Atsu’s support is also at the forefront of Mr. Asiedu’s mind. They were about halfway through constructing a new school building.
He remains optimistic, especially since Newcastle fans have begun fundraising in memory of their former player.
Meanwhile, he can’t help but speak of his friend, the football star, in the present tense:
“Every time he comes here, you can see how happy he is… And when he gets out of his car, all the kids will rush up to him, jump on him, and embrace him… And he himself will be overjoyed.”
