The Akuapem Mampong Demonstration School for the Deaf with Deafblind Unit in the Eastern Region is set to receive its first-ever Massage and Therapy Centre since the school was established in 1967.
The facility, initiated by the Kabaka Foundation, is expected to provide specialised therapeutic support for students with neurological and physical conditions, including those with multiple disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy ,hearing and visual impairments.
Founder and Chairman of the Kabaka Foundation, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, cut the sod for the construction of the centre at a ceremony held at the school.
Nana Owiredu Wadie I announced that he has adopted the school henceforth “If only God permits us every year or even every month we will be here.This adoption is forever. With the proposed massage center, we wouldn’t even think about it. It is a done deal” he assured.
The centre is expected to cater to the neurotherapeutic needs of students and provide services aimed at improving mobility, reducing muscle stiffness and enhancing physical functioning.
It is also expected to promote comfort, relaxation and greater independence among students in their daily activities.
The Headmaster of the school, Setumte Dodzi Ametewee, described the project as a long-standing dream for the institution.
According to him, having a therapy centre on campus will make it easier for students to access specialised care without the additional burden and cost of travelling elsewhere.
“Many of these children are autistic, they have cerebral palsy, and they have some physical disabilities and all. And so if we have a massage center, that would go a long way to support these unfortunate ones. And today, Nana has cut sword for this massage center. And I am extremely happy, together with my staff, for this gesture and I want to say a big thank you to Nana and Kabaka Foundation” the headmaster stated.
The construction of the facility is expected to be completed within one year.
The headmaster described children with disability in Ghana as most vulnerable in society as majority come from very poor homes hence called on corporate organizations to support the school.
“There strong relationship between poverty and disability, and you get to see it right here when the parents bring their children and so for me, I am only pleading with Corporate Ghana that whoever can support in whichever small way that he or she can, churches, philanthropists, individuals, they should come to the aid of these unfortunate children. Sometimes I get shattered, even when I leave my office, because you see children with their parents, Chaliwoti, how much is Chalewate and somebody enters your office and the Chaliwoti is tattered, the cloth is torn, and all that” he lamented.
As part of its support to the school, the Kabaka Foundation also donated food items, toiletries, stationery, sanitary pads and cash to help meet the needs of the more than 500 students, all of whom are in boarding.
The Mampong Demonstration school for the Deaf with DeafBlind Unit was established in 1967 as a practical training institution for sign language teachers, has since evolved into an institution serving learners with hearing, visual and multiple disabilities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
