By Kojo Mensah
Accra, July 2, GNA – One day, during a meeting of the Pru District Disability Fund Management Committee, a woman arrived with her young daughter to seek financial support from the Assembly to purchase a refrigerator for her sachet water business.
The woman, Amina Iddrisu, 43, who was later found to be experiencing psychosocial challenges, brought along her daughter, Hafsatu Iddrisu, who is totally blind. The presence of the child appeared intended to evoke sympathy and strengthen her request for assistance.
For years, little Hafsatu had largely been used to attract sympathy while begging. She had never attended school and had no opportunity for formal education. With both parents being poor and illiterate, the value of education was not fully appreciated within the family. Under such circumstances, the young girl had little prospect of building a better future for herself.
However, a ray of hope emerged through the intervention of the Ghana Blind Union (GBU).
The GBU, in collaboration with the Holistic Development Programme for Visually Impaired Children (HODVIC), implements a programme aimed at promoting education among visually impaired children. The initiative is sponsored by VISIO International.
Hafsatu’s situation came to light when a concerned gentleman drew the attention of Mr Razak Abdul Yusif, a member of the GBU. The matter was immediately reported to the Union’s Secretariat, setting in motion a series of interventions.
As a first step, Hafsatu underwent an examination at the GBU Eye Care Centre and was later referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra for a comprehensive assessment.
Recognising education as a fundamental right, especially for children with visual impairment, the GBU decided to facilitate Hafsatu’s enrolment in school. The Akropong School for the Blind was contacted, and admission was secured for her in Primary Two.
Although Hafsatu had no relatives in Accra to care for her, Mr Abdul Yusif and his wife, Rukaya, welcomed her into their home and provided temporary accommodation while arrangements were made for her education and welfare.
While Ghana’s policy of free basic education extends to persons with disabilities, additional support was needed to meet Hafsatu’s educational requirements, including clothing, school supplies, provisions and transportation for her mother to transport her to schools and back during school vacations.
Unfortunately, her family lacked the financial resources to meet these needs.
Once again, the GBU stepped in. Hafsatu was enrolled on the Union’s Educational Support Programme, through which she received sponsorship covering school uniforms, clothing, learning materials and other essential provisions.
The GBU and HODVIC firmly believe that every child, regardless of disability, deserves access to quality education. For children who are blind, education is particularly important as it equips them with the skills and confidence needed to live independently and contribute meaningfully to society.
Today, Hafsatu is adjusting well to school life. She has made new friends, is learning to read and write through appropriate educational methods, and is participating in recreational activities with her peers.
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact that timely intervention can have on the life of a vulnerable child.
The Ghana Blind Union is therefore appealing to individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropic organisations to support efforts aimed at improving the lives of visually impaired children across the country.
Through collective action, many more children like Hafsatu can be given the opportunity to realise their full potential and look forward to a brighter future.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
(Kojo Mensah is a member of the Ghana Blind Union)