Invest in education of children with special needs

The National President of Midwives Association and proprietress of Godfrey Memorial Maternity Home, Mrs Joyce Jetuah, has called on parents, philanthropists, and well to do Ghanaians to help invest in education of children with special needs by equipping them with the tools that will enhance their learning.

Mrs. Joyce Jetuah stated these at the tenth (10th) anniversary ceremony of Mephibisheth Training Centre at Gomoa Ankamu in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region. 

“These unfortunate children had been shown caring and feeling of belonging for the past sometimes, though some are natural, others are due the activities of their mothers, including drinking of concoction during early pregnancy among others that could lead to the foetus effect” She added.

Mephibosheth Training Centre is a non governmental organization (NGO) for physical and mentally challenged children at Gomoa Ankamu offering therapy and mobility devices for persons with disability and assisting children with autism. 

Pastor Jehu – Appiah, the General Manager of Mephibosheth Training Centre said the centre started in 2005 with eight (8) children, two parents as workers, Professor Bonnie and ten (10) Occupational Therapist Students from the University of Southern California has fifty – seven (57) children. 

Pastor Jehu – Appiah said the Centre also has twelve (12) teachers and six (6) non – teaching staff,  adding that plans are in place to start a vocational or a trade school for those who may not be able to climb the academic ladder due to unforeseen circumstances.

The centre according to the Director serves as training and collaborate grounds for CBR students of University of Education Winneba, occupational therapy students of the University of Ghana, University of Southern California – USA and Godfrey Memorial Health School.

He appealed to the government to assist the Special Schools in the country to enable them cater for more children to become meaningful in the society. 

The Gomoa West District Director of Education whose address was read by Miss Ama Mill said a special child is one who needs a special educational skills or training to meet his or her unique needs to enable them function and accepted in the society. 

She said government knows the importance of education for children with special needs hence the establishment of special schools and the current policy of inclusive Education and appealed to the school authority to liase with the special education co – ordinator to facilitate and support the programmes of the school for effective teaching and learning to take place. The theme for the occasion was “Giving the right support to the Special Child”.