By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Kasseh-Ada, Nov. 27, GNA – Inclusion for All Ghana (IFAG), in partnership with Engage Now Africa, has rolled out a school outreach programme at selected schools in Kasseh-Ada to promote disability inclusion and deepen pupils’ understanding of albinism.
The two NGOs engaged pupils of Karisbel Kids College and Covenant Future Leaders International School.
Mr Benjamin Nii-Lartey Ayiku, Founder of IFAG, said the initiative formed part of a broader national campaign aimed at correcting longstanding misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.
He explained that negative attitudes were often transferred from adults to children, making it crucial to provide accurate information at a young age.
“Our goal is to ensure that the next generation grows up with the right information,” he said, adding that “if we nurture young minds to understand and accept disability, we will not need future campaigns to correct harmful beliefs,” Mr Ayiku said.
Mr Francis Jackson, the Executive Director of IFAG, said the organisation was committed to building communities where children with and without disabilities learned, played, and interacted freely without fear or stigma.
He stressed that persons with disabilities possessed diverse abilities, with many demonstrating exceptional intellect that could contributed significantly to national development if given equal opportunities, adding that their message was that everyone was equal.
He added that IFAG’s five-year vision was to see persons with disabilities occupying leadership positions across ministries, hospitals, and other public institutions, and therefore urged policymakers to create inclusive spaces that allowed persons with disabilities to participate fully in national development.
Ms Rejoice Ziwu, Assistant Project Manager on Albinism at Engage Now Africa, speaking on albinism, said the outreach sought to dispel myths surrounding the condition and equip pupils with the knowledge needed to relate respectfully with individuals who have albinism.
She noted that persons with albinism were ordinary human beings with full rights to education, healthcare, and social participation and could contribute meaningfully to society when protected, supported, and shielded from excessive sun exposure.
“Many people still do not understand the causes of albinism, and this lack of knowledge leads to stigma. We are here to give the right information and encourage acceptance,” she said.
She added that her outfit had undertaken similar advocacy activities since 2017 and plans to expand its outreach over the next five years to promote inclusion and empower persons with albinism to assume leadership roles.
Some students of Covenant Future Leaders School, who participated in the programme, described the session as eye-opening, noting that it helped correct misconceptions they previously held.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Sawer/Lydia Kukua Asamoah