ROTARY CLUB OF NORWICH (ENGLAND) ROTARY CLUB OF HO (GHANA) ALL-INCLUSIVE MODEL SCHOOL PROJECT

THE NEED Traditionally, African children with disabilities have been stigmatised. They have either been excluded from school or taught outside mainstream education. An opportunity has arisen to start from scratch an all-inclusive school in Ho, in the Volta region of Ghana. A combination of a Rotary member with close links to the area, a receptive Club in Ghana, supportive local and regional authorities, and a charity working in the area offer this unique opportunity. The local charity will act as our eyes and ears.

These have been stigmatised

Where is Ho? Eastern Ghana – former capital of British Togoland and now of Volta Region. Population approx. 100,000. Ho has an active and enthusiastic Rotary Club which is keen on water and education projects. Their initiative: “Lighting up Education in the Volta Region”.

KEKELI FOUNDATION The Ghana arm of a small American-based charity (Kekeli Inc) specialising in help for children with disabilities in Ghana. Founded in 2008 by Carrie Brown. It was her dream to found a school where able-bodied and less-able children are educated together. Carrie will be closely involved in the project and will act as coordinator between the groups involved.

A school where able-bodied and less-able children are educated together

THE NORWICH CONNECTION Anna Cottrell, a member of RC Norwich, has set up a number of small projects, helping villages in the Volta region of Ghana. She has published an international award-winning book on traditional Ghanaian storytelling, and visits Ghana regularly. She has known Carrie since 2006 and remains in regular touch with her. She has also met Rockson Dogbegah, President of the Ho Rotary Club. The Club is very interested and enthusiastic (their own focus is on education) and is in direct regular contact with the Rotary Club of Norwich.

LOCAL / NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ISSUES The Ghanaian National government has decreed that children with disabilities should be educated in mainstream schools, but it remains to be actioned. As a result of Anna’s approach and Carrie’s enthusiasm, RC Ho has set up a working group including members of regional government and several interested local and international charities. Land/building costs funded by local charities/government/PPP and other capital costs by Rotary. Running costs – part fee-paying part by PPP funding

PLANS 15 acre site 8 classroom blocks, assessment and resource centre, a specially equipped physio room, library, dormitories, transport 200 pupils anticipated (25 per class) – likely proportion suffering some kind of disability is 15% Basic level (“JSS”) for all students

PLANS

PRELIMINARIES Periodic “sensitisation” of communities - understanding and support of parents / teachers - removal of stigma. Periodic screening of children in the community to identify special needs Pressure on government to adopt best practices

The periodic screening of children in the community to identify special needs

FACILITIES The school complex to be built in a disability-friendly way Specialist training for everyone involved in the school is integral to the project Wide range of assistive devices (see later slide)

A school built in a disability-friendly way

SET-UP AND EQUIPMENT COSTS £ Research / planning / community education 7,900 Sports park / playground 2,000 Initial training (1 st year)11,500 Furniture 2,700 Transport (school bus)15,200 Consumables (initial stock only) 1,500 Special Equipment/ICT11,500 Computers 9,600 Miscellaneous / contingency 9,200 Provisional TOTAL71,110 These items to be funded by Rotary

Equipment for Persons with Disabilities The equipment and ICT for Persons with disabilities include: Braillewriters for the blind Embosser Digital voice recorders for those unable to write/visually impaired Electronic books Software including open book software, jaws software for the blind, writing with symbols for intellectual disabilities, picture exchange communication system (PECS)

FUNDRAISING (over 2 years) Club & DistrictGlobal Grant Match £US$ £ Norwich Twin Clubs (£950 x 3) Twin Club Districts (£950 x 3) Ho Club Ho District District Corporate Trusts/grants _________________________ Totals _________________________ Total Funds £1 = USD (official RI rate)

OUTCOMES All but the most severely disabled children to receive an inclusive education Children work on individual goals whilst participating in the life of the classroom Opportunity for able-bodied children to learn about and accept individual differences Reduction of harassment, removal of stigma, influencing the community as a whole

THE FUTURE WHEN the PROJECT IS SUCCESSFUL:- Repeat in other regions of Ghana Gradually roll out to other African countries Perhaps “Rotary Colleges” - a name for the FUTURE in ROTARY! THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT, LET’S HELP LIGHT UP EDUCATION - WITH YOUR HELP, PLEASE!

THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED Mawunyo’s journey from exclusion to inclusion should be available to every child. With your help, it can be so.