Premier League star hosts charity event for new school in Ghana
A Premier League footballer is holding a charity event to build a school for orphans in his native Ghana.
Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu is an ambassador for the charity Arms Around The Child, which helps some of the world's poorest children, after himself growing up in poverty.
The former Chelsea and Everton footballer's father was a farmer and fisherman who died when Atsu was training at an academy in Ghana.
Arms Around The Child provides homes, education, protection and support to children in India, South Africa and Ghana.
It works with orphans, victims of abuse, those affected by HIV and Aids, and other vulnerable children.
Atsu's Black Star Gala in Gateshead aims to raise enough to build a school for local orphans.
He said: "Understanding my own family's struggles with poverty, it's important to me to help the kids who are living in extreme adversity, abandoned, orphaned and often rescued from trafficking.
Looking to kick off 2018 by making some exciting plans? In partnership with our Ambassador, Newcastle Premiership Football Christian Atsu, we're hosting The Black Star Gala on 14th March in Newcastle - all to help the community school in Senya Beraku - https://t.co/sIqOkDY3jo
-- ArmsAroundTheChild (@ArmsAroundChild) January 11, 2018
"Holding the Black Star Gala will help us raise funds to build a school in Ghana as education breaks the cycle of poverty."
Ellie Milner, the charity's chief executive, said: "This school will help provide much-needed stability and education to help improve lives and provide better futures."
Tickets for the event at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton on Wednesday March 14 cost £150 and are available from https://theblackstargala.eventbrite.co.uk
