In spite of the advancement in civilization and technology, the stigmatization as a result of erroneous perceptions about Persons with Disability are still very prevalent and widespread in our society.
Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman, CEO of the H4P (Here for Perfection) Organization, a Non-Government Organization (NGO) in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, has a vision to promote the fundamental human rights and privileges of persons with disability thereby bringing dignity to disability.
He has for over twelve years relentlessly fought against discrimination of Persons with Disability. His ardent believe in one's ability in spite of a disability has resulted in the implementation of several projects and activities aimed at throwing the spotlight on the abilities of persons with disability.
In his words, disability is not as a result of the sins of any one. He encouraged the mothers of the children with Cerebral Palsy to continue to care for their children and be strengthened. He said every effort invested in the upkeep of these special children will not be in vain.
He was speaking during a free physiotherapy session, education and hearing assessment organized by the H4P Organization at the 'With God Cerebral Palsy Centre' – Centre of Abilities, Winneba, on 8th November, 2023.
Mrs. Ellen Affam-Dadzie, a mother of a child with cerebral palsy established the 'With God Cerebral Palsy Centre,' Teshie in July, 2016.
With God Cerebral Palsy is an advocacy and charity organization that supports livelihoods, education and health. Mrs. Affam-Dadzie has exhibited great tenacity over the years and in the pursuit of her dream – and in 2022, opened an extension of With God Cerebral Palsy in Winneba - naming it a Centre of Abilities.
The event was part of H4P’s Celebration of Love activities to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the demise of Mrs. Christina Anansewa Hackman, the late mother of Bishop Dr. Charles Cofie Hackman. The Celebration of Love event coincided with the 1st anniversary of the With Love Cerebral Palsy Centre, Winneba.
According to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood.
CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person's ability to control his or her muscles. Due to the inability of CP patients to effectively control their muscles, their treatment often requires physiotherapy which unfortunately can be very expensive. Most parents and caregivers therefore find it difficult to take their children for treatment.
The H4P Organization has through its disability advocacy formed formidable partnerships and associations with groups, institutions and organizations who are like-minded and passionate about promoting the abilities of Persons with disabilities.
Having acknowledged the incredible work being done by Mrs. Ellen Affam-Dadzie and the With God Cerebral Palsy Centres as well as recognising the need for physiotherapy, H4P partnered with seasoned physiotherapists from all over the country to offer free physiotherapy sessions to the special children.
There were also special educational sessions with the parents of the special children after which H4P gave out gifts to the founder of the facility, staff, volunteers, caregivers and special needs children. The event was characterised by donations of used clothes, a locker, playmats amongst others. All who were present were also served breakfast, snacks and lunch all sponsored by the Bishop and the H4P Organisation.
H4P has for twelve years lived up to its mandate of bringing dignity to disability. This mandate has been achieved by embarking on several life-transforming projects and initiatives.
The first Celebration of Love Project organised this year to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the demise of Mrs. Christina Anansewa Hackman was a free medical screening for students, staff and care-givers of the Dr. Seth Tetteh-Ocloo State School for the Deaf at Adjei-Kojo in the Tema West Municipality on 13th September, 2023.
The project drew professional medical personnel from Acts of Africa and Manna Mission Hospital to offer free medicals in general consultation, ENT consultation, Eye screening, malaria testing, dental care amongst others.
The impact of the exercise was astonishing as over 500 people comprising students, care-givers, parents and staff of the institution were attended to.
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