By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Tamale, Dec. 05, GNA – Hajia Fati Mahama, Assistant Headmistress of Yumba Special School has appealed to government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to support the school with a bus to improve enrolment and regular attendance of pupils.
She said the lack of a functional transportation system for learners had resulted in many pupils being unable to attend school consistently, particularly those on the day system.
Hajia Mahama made the appeal during a donation exercise organized by the Center for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD Ghana) in partnership with Naglogu Care Foundation, YACES Ghana, Rural Connect, the Network of Youth for Climate Action, Africa, and the Department of Gender.
Hajia Mahama explained that the school’s only vehicle, donated in 2012 by the late Alhaji Muniru Limuna, had broken down compelling management to operate mainly a boarding system and making access to school difficult for pupils from surrounding communities.
She said “Our only vehicle, which used to move through communities to pick students to school, has broken down. With the current situation, many students especially those on the day system are unable to attend school.”
She noted that enrolment was relatively higher when the bus was functional as it ensured pupils consistent attendance to school from nearby communities.
Hajia Mahama also outlined other infrastructure challenges confronting the school to include dilapidated dormitory and classroom facilities as well as inadequate water supply, adding the school often relied on neighbouring communities for water.
The donation formed part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated under the theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Madam Esther Nyamekye Opoku, Programmes Director of CORD Ghana said the initiative sought to promote inclusion and improve the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) especially children in special and underserved schools.
She noted that PwDs continued to face systemic barriers to education and social participation, making targeted interventions critical to their development and well-being.
She said “Supporting children with disabilities is not an act of charity but a responsibility. With the right facilities, care and encouragement, PwDs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Madam Opoku called on government, corporate institutions, and individuals to complement civil society efforts by investing in accessible infrastructure, transportation and learning materials for special needs institutions.
Miss Radia Nuhu, Founder and Executive Director of Naglogu Care Foundation, emphasised the need to empower PwDs to live up to their full potential, saying disability should not be equated with inability.
She said, “Persons with Disabilities have skills, talents and ideas which can contribute to national development if we create the enabling environment for them.”
She urged families and communities to support children with disabilities to access education, adding that inclusive development could not be achieved if any group were left behind.
The group presented items including sanitary pads, mathematical sets, exercise books, and pens to four schools including Yumba Special School, Cheshe D/A Primary School, Inclusion Tamale School, and Police Barracks School.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the partners and appealed for sustained support to improve the welfare and development of PwDs
The International Day of PwDs is observed annually on December 03, to promote, protect and support the rights, well-being and inclusion of PwDs.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh