By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Nov. 13, GNA – The New Horizon Special School, a private school for people with intellectual disabilities and autism, held its annual arts and craft exhibition, attracting scores of patrons who provided positive reviews about the vibrant collections lined up.
From cultural performances and a mix of handiworks on display, the students proved their creativity and dexterity in different forms of art.
Items on sale included colourful batik fabric, napkins, tablecloth, doormat, foot stools, outfits for men and women, necklace, bracelet, and other works made with Kente.
Expressing satisfaction with the skills of the special students, Mr Osei Kufour, a parent, emphasized that children with special needs could apply their talents meaningfully when provided the necessary support.
He urged parents to avoid discrimination and pay special attention to children with any form of disability.
“Every child is a gift from God so have faith in them and be reassuring in anything you do for them because they are just like any other child.”
Mr Kufour said, “they have emotions like other children and there should not be any distinction between how you treat them and other children.”
“They may need a bit of help with their mobility but beyond that, we should encourage them, embrace them and challenge them like we will challenge any other child, and they will come up on top,” Mr Kufour noted.
A staff member said the art and craft exhibition was for trainees at the vocational department of the institution, and also formed a part of the school’s fund-raising efforts.
She said the event was to highlight the abilities of the students who were guided by facilitators and allowed to learn at their own pace.
New Horizon Special School provides day schooling for children and adults who have learning difficulties.
The school was started by an association of parents of intellectually challenged children with the support of the American Women’s Association of Ghana on 10th January 1972.
Registered with the Ghana Education Service and under the companies code of Ghana 1963 (act 179) as a charitable institution, the institution depends on fund raising activities and donations from individuals and organisations to provide the necessary funds which supplement the fees paid by students.
The school has the Academic Section which provides education on individual basis for children up to 16 years, while the Sheltered Workshops section provides training and employment in vocational and daily living skills to those who are older.
“New Horizon believes that “Every child, whether handicapped or not has the right to develop to the limits if his or her capability.”
GNA