18-year-old class 3 pupil appeals for support

18-year-old pupil of the Kukpali D/A Primary School in the Upper West Region, Philip Yelbong is appealing to philanthropists to come to his aid to enable him get a good education.

Philip who is physically challenged was to walk on all fours (hands and feet) to school, an experience he describes as very painful.

The determined young man will however not let the pain and discomfort of having to walk around on his hands stop him from attending school.

Philip who is an orphan under the care of a relative only accept offer from people to carry him to school or back only when it is either raining heavily or the sun is very hot. He prefers to slowly move on his own, making periodic stops to rest till he finally gets to school.

The school has some basic social amenities including a borehole, toilets, water reservoir and a simple hand washing system put up on the compound to enhance hand washing among Pupils.

But for Philip, the purpose of hand washing is defeated as he washes the hands and walks with them the next moment.

In school, Philip has only two friends who are willing to share a desk with him and help him with his studies.

Philip also has a poor eyesight which makes it difficult for him to identify writings on the board, a situation that affects his academic performance.

While other pupils play on the school compound during the break period, Philip sits with his friend, Kudzo to read through what was last taught in class.

According to the headmaster of the school, Salia Dennis, the poor eyesight is a factor to Philip coming 20th out of 21 pupils in his class in the last terminal examination.

Salia Dennis is calling for support for Philip to restore his full sight. He is also appealing for a wheelchair and computer to make it easier for Philip to move around and also improve his academic performance.