Inclusion for All Ghana (IFAG), in partnership with Engage Now Africa, has initiated a school outreach programme at selected schools in Kasseh-Ada to promote disability inclusion and deepen pupils’ understanding of albinism.
The programme engaged students of Karisbel Kids College and Covenant Future Leaders International School.
Mr Benjamin Nii-Lartey Ayiku, Founder of IFAG, explained that the initiative forms part of a broader national campaign aimed at addressing misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.
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He highlighted that negative attitudes are often transferred from adults to children, making early education essential.
“Our goal is to ensure that the next generation grows up with the right information,” he said, noting that nurturing young minds to understand and accept disability reduces the need for corrective campaigns in the future.
Mr Francis Jackson, Executive Director of IFAG, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to fostering communities where children with and without disabilities learn, play, and interact freely.
He stressed that persons with disabilities possess diverse abilities and can contribute significantly to national development if given equal opportunities.
He outlined IFAG’s five-year vision of seeing persons with disabilities occupy leadership roles across ministries, hospitals, and other public institutions, calling on policymakers to create inclusive spaces.
Ms Rejoice Ziwu, Assistant Project Manager on Albinism at Engage Now Africa, said the outreach also aimed to dispel myths about albinism and equip pupils with knowledge to engage respectfully with individuals who have the condition.
She noted that persons with albinism are ordinary human beings with full rights to education, healthcare, and social participation, and that their potential is maximised when they are supported and protected 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 organisation has been conducting similar advocacy activities since 2017 and plans to expand outreach over the next five years.
Students from Covenant Future Leaders International School described the session as eye-opening, noting that it corrected misconceptions they previously held and encouraged a more inclusive attitude toward peers with disabilities and albinism.
