“True progress requires lifting up those who have no education, shelter, or source of income,” a sentiment Janet Abena Quainoo embodies in her work as a dedicated advocate for positive change. Across the globe, over 150 million children live on the streets, according to UNICEF, with many lacking access to basic necessities like education and healthcare. In Ghana alone, more than 100,000 children are affected by streetism, an issue Janet has passionately taken head-on. As the founder of the Save a Street Child Foundation, she has committed her life to addressing these challenges, bridging gaps in opportunity, and inspiring social impact in underserved communities.
Janet’s passion extends beyond her work with street children. She has made significant strides in supporting various causes, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Her unwavering dedication and generous contributions continue to uplift those around her, leaving a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and lasting positive change.
Her Journey in the Communication Industry
Janet’s journey in the communication industry began when she worked as a broadcast journalist at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) as a national service personnel. Enthused by human interest, social intervention, and health reporting, she dedicated and channeled her energy in that direction. She endeavored to deliver with precision to attract the needed response from officials. Upon completion of service, she volunteered her time to gain more insight and experience.
On 23rd November 2019, she was nominated and awarded at the 24th Ghana Journalists Association for her stories on the lack of access to potable water in the rural communities of Ayensuako and Okwampa in the Central Region of Ghana, which brought mechanized boreholes and water tanks to residents of the beneficiary communities.
Janet is currently an Assistant Director at the Office of the Head of Local Government Service and the Ghana correspondent (Remote) for African Leadership Magazine (UK). As an avid agent of positive change, she furthered her education in Development Communication at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, now UNIMAC.
Janet Abena Quainoo’s Commitment to Philanthropy
Beyond her communication acumen, Janet Abena Quainoo is an emerging leader in community-oriented engagements and a committed philanthropist who has dedicated her life to social causes, particularly those related to reducing streetism in Ghana to the barest minimum. She is the founder and Executive Director of Save a Street Child Foundation, a non-profit organization that she founded and registered in 2016. The foundation also has a registered branch in Washington State, USA.
Together with her team members, she reunited some street children with their families and ensured that they got back to school since the inception of the foundation. Her leadership exploits have come with physical honors, which include a Humanitarian Award for projects done to equip single parents of street children with entrepreneurial skills.
A Vision for Inclusivity
Janet Abena Quainoo’s philanthropy is deeply intertwined with her vision for a more equitable and inclusive society. She believes and understands that true progress requires lifting up those who have no education, shelter, and source of income. This belief drives her involvement in initiatives that create economic opportunities for the less privileged in society. She is a strong proponent for curbing streetism in Ghana, hence she believes when children and parents of street children are provided with the tools, resources, and network, the future will be promising and successful.
The idea to set up FUTURE2DAY Orientation Center (F2DOC) will take advantage of the free-education system to send children of school-going age back to school and engage economically distressed adults in vocational training.
Janet’s legacy is of inclusivity, equality, empowerment, and social responsibility. Her long-term plan is to help integrate street children back into organized society and continue to write compelling result-oriented stories that will go a long way to bring development in Ghana. Her work as a philanthropist is a testament to her belief that, when we voice out our challenges through the right channels and are committed to our passion and interest, we eventually get the results we seek and create a lasting positive change.