Disability doesn’t mean you are useless – “As I GROW” NGO to Ghanaians

In Ghana, there are different groups of people who make up the total population and that also results in individual differences. One of such groups, whose situation is complex is the blind.

There is an adage that the eye is the light of the body,hence when it goes off,the body experiences total darkness.

One of the prolific Nonprofits organisation in Ghana, specifically As I Grow, has tremendously supported the school for the blind at Akropong Akuapem.

It can be recalled that the organisation has been providing lifeline to many individuals, communities and schools in the country. Over the years the organisation has undertaken major projects which includes supporting surgeries for children and adults, painting of schools, women Empowerment, free medical screenings,advocacy work against the menace of teenage pregnancy in deprived communities, provision of farming equipment to farmers in deprived communities, providing educational support and materials to schools and students, and undertaking career campaign programs for students at the basic school level.

The organisation in its quest of providing lifeline for humanity has released a wonderful support to the school for the blind at Akropong Akuapem.

Addressing the students and the staff present during the organisation's visit, Mr. Debrah Bekoe Isaac, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation explained why they paid that urgent call to the school.

He said upon their investigations, they found out that the school being a community on it own lacked some educational equipment to facilitate their learning, hence they came in to support them with those materials.

He said the organisation brought hand frames and stylus to support students who are at the rehabilitation centre. Not that alone, the organisation gave the school bags of water, beverages and toiletries, after which it organized a party for the students.

Mr. Debrah Bekoe Isaac went on to admonish the students not to look down upon themselves since no one can determine the future. He urge them to know that,disability is not inability. He challenged them to be mentally and physically strong in whatever they do,especially in their studies.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Osei - Bonsie, who is a member of As I Grow and a major sponsor for this donations said he was motivated to support the students of the school for the blind because he sees it as a major responsibility.

He lamented on how most of the students lacked so many things which can facilitate their learning. He was of the view that,the blind are so much talented and gifted thus,they should not be neglected. He took the opportunity to plead with the entire nation, institutions and other organisations to remember the blind since it is a very sad condition.

Mr. Osei Bonsie,after being taken round the school by their sports teacher, Sir Evans, promised that he together with As I Grow will support with equipment for the their sports complex after its completion.

He finally urged all parents and Ghanaians not to relegate to the background their children who may find themselves in such difficult situations. Parents should quickly send their wards to the school immediately they see their wards in such situations. He said this will prevent any ordeal and will help develop their abilities. He advised parents and Ghanaians not to attribute everything to spirituality but should know that anything can happen to anyone.

In an interview, some of the students expressed their plights when they became blind. Amanda,a female student lamented on how she was often humiliated, teased and stigmatised. She told the media that, she was not born blind but it just happened,hence it can happen to anyone. She took the opportunity to urge all Ghanaians to see the blind as their friend and part of them. She finally expressed her gratitude to the organisation for their kind gesture and urged them to visit and support them often.

The Assistant Headmaster of the school, Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi thanked As I Grow for their support. He took the opportunity to appeal for further support for a library, computer laboratory, internet service and renovations for their dormitories and bungalows.