Mephibosheth Physically-challenged Training Centre solicits public support

Winneba (C/R) Feb. 4, GNA - The Authorities of the Mephibosheth Ministry- Ghana, Training Centre for the Physically-challenged persons at Gomoa Ankamu in the Central Region has appealed for public support to alleviate accommodation problems facing the Centre.

Pastor Joseph Jehu-Appiah, Executive Director, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Winneba that the Centre, which offered physical and occupational therapy as well as formal education to physically and mentally challenged children depended on assistance from donors and offers from humanitarians to operate.

He said the Centre opened two year ago now had 20 physically challenged children irrespective of their religious or ethnic background.

According to Pastor Jehu-Appiah, only one dormitory block housed the 20 children and a block of six classrooms, saying a second dormitory was under construction but that work on it was at a slow pace due to lack funds.

He said the Centre also lacked basic amenities including a deep freezer, video set, a standby generator and computers and appealed to donors to come to the aid of the Centre.

Pastor Jehu-Appiah said the multi-purpose Centre offered free boarding facilities, tuition and therapy so that even those children from poor homes could benefit from the service.

"Our target is to give these special children at least Junior Secondary School level education and find a vocation for those who cannot excel academically, while the academics would be supported to climb the academic ladder".

He said with good nutrition, regular mental and physical exercise, there would be tremendous improvement in their deformities before they grow up.

Each of these special kids has God-given potential, which they need families and society's love, encouragement and assistance to develop their talents and live on them so as not to become burdens on society, he said.