Right To Play promotes development in Upper East

Right To Play, an international NGO with technical support from the Zebilla Hospital eye department on Wednesday conducted eye screening tests for over 600 men, women and children at Yarigu in the Bawku West District.

People with various eye ailments were given medication like chloramphenicol among others whiles others with problems like Glaucoma were referred to the specialized eye Hospital for treatment.

Right To Play organized this event after a Mixed Tournament was held under the theme “fostering peace building, leadership and non-discrimination for community development in the District” through its community partner, Action Child Mobilization (ACM).

Mr Ben Kasimu Wumbla said the physical development and fitness of children was very important and that he was glad to see the convergence of large numbers of children in the Mixed Sport Tournament.

He called on parents, guardians and traditional authorities to see all children as equal and avoid all forms of discrimination especially towards the disabled ones.

Mr Wumbla asked the children and youth to respect the electioneering rules just as they do in games of soccer and other sports, adding that girls should be encouraged to take their education seriously and not be confined to only certain menial occupations.

He cited the instance of a person with disability who entertained and danced very well during the recent launch of Japan Motors Showroom in the Northern Region and gained the recognition from the Regional Minister, adding that there was the need for the youth to be given the opportunity to explore their potential by allowing them to participate in decisions that could affect them.

Mr Awal Ahmed, the Project Manager of Rural Initiative for Self-Empowerment (RISE), said considering the increasing involvement of children and young people in conflicts, and the discrimination faced by women and girls; and persons with disability, the theme for the occasion was very appropriate.

He said “fostering peace building must begin at our homes, in the school and communities by showing exemplary leadership, respect and tolerance to our children and neighbors while demonstrating inclusion and compassion to vulnerable groups”.

He appealed to the chiefs, opinion leaders and parents to help promote sports and send their disabled children to school.

The Chief and traditional authorities of the area expressed their delight about the role Right To Play and ACM were playing in shaping the youth of their community and asked for the continued support and presence in their community.

In the Sport Tournament, children’s groups from Yarigu, Kobore and Googo played soccer with each team being composed of 7 girls and 4 boys with emphasis not on the excelling teams but for all to participate.

The Teams were given Right To Play souvenirs including Footballs and Right To Play-branded Polo shirts.**