11 Mar 2015

Learners with visual disability must not be seen as challenged rather, they must be seen as differently abled and gifted in a special way; hence the need for all to support them, Ghana minister of education Professor Naana Opuku-Agyemang has said.

Addressing staff and stakeholders at Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre in Mochudi on March 10, Prof. Opuku-Agyemang said special aid was an area that on its own entailed lifelong learning. 

The visiting minister extended her gratitude to teachers and families who take care of children living with blindness, saying such families deserved to be honoured because they have the ability to alter their lifestyles in order to accommodate a child with special needs.

Her Botswana counterpart, the minister of Education and Skills Development Dr Unity Dow said her fellow minister’s visit was an opportunity for them to dialogue, exchange ideas and fortify the existing relationship between the two countries. 

She said Botswana and Ghana had a lot in common; for instance, some teachers from this country were trained in Ghana through the bilateral relations that the two countries enjoy. Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1982 by the Dutch Reformed church, and, initially, the centre trained members of the church in various craft skills. 

Unfortunately, the school was later forced to close because of financial constraints. However, in 1997, it was re-opened after the government decided to aid the school; the school then changed from offering craft skills courses to vocational training.

The director of the centre, Mr Moilwa Pheko said the centre, which has a capacity of 60 students, admitted students between the age of 16 and 35 with minimum qualifications.

Mr Pheko highlighted that the centre lacked training equipment as it is very expensive and scarce; there was also needed for the school to be refurbished since it was old having been built in 1982.

However, he thanked some organisations for occasionally donating to the school, adding that the school continued to excel in some areas considering that 60 per cent of their students went for tertiary education, while some got absorbed in formal employment after completing their studies. 

Kgatleng deputy council chairperson, Mr Steven Makhura said that the council was aware of the challenges facing the centre; however, because of budgetary constraints, the council fails to assist non-governmental organisations in the district. 

Mr Makhura expressed confidence that the Ghanaian minister’s visit would open up opportunities for exchange programmes and ultimately improve the lives of learners with disabilities in general. Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre houses and trains learners who are visually impaired. 

They are oriented on mobility, brain development, sporting activities, as well as academics.  ENDS