The Demonstration School for the Deaf (with Deafblind Unit) at Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern Region says it is unable to admit more students due to inadequate infrastructure.
Established in 1967 as a practical training institution for sign language teachers, the Demonstration School for the Deaf currently has 531 students all in boarding facility.
But authorities say since 2020 it has not been able to admit the number of students seeking admission due to the infrastructure deficit.
The Headmaster of the School, Setumte Dodzi Ametewee , Headmaster told Starr News, Eastern Regional Correspondent Kojo Ansah that, “As we speak now, since COVID, we’ve had a lot of backlog. And we need space to be able to bring them on. They have applied, but they’re on a waiting list. They’re on a waiting list because we cannot take them because of the crowds and the spaces that are available. And so we need more space to be able to take them in”.
Although Management acknowledges effort being made by the current government to complete the abandoned projects in the school,but says untill completed it cannot meet the growing demand for admission.
“And so there’s been some projects that were written for, they’re on campus, but they’ve not been completed.And so from time to time, we chase them to see how the ministry, government, can help to finish up with these projects. And as I speak now, the contractor, one contractor is even on site. And we are hoping that by the end of this year or towards the beginning of next year, we’ll get that facility to bring on board the many children out there who are willing to be in school”.said Setumte Dodzi Ametewee , Headmaster, Demonstration School for The Deaf (With DeafBlind Unit).
Headmaster also revealed that the Deafblind Unit of the school urgently needs a Massage Center to cater for the neurotherapeutic needs of students, stressing that good health is key to effective learning.
To help reduce unemployment, the school has established vocational centers to train students in employable skills.
He urged the general public, corporate Ghana to support the school while urging government to invest in inclusive education, implement disability policies and create awareness .
Meanwhile, Chairman and Founder of the Kabaka Foundation, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, Nkosuohene of Kwahu Nkwatia, has pledged to construct the Massage Center for the school within a year.
This followed his donation of large quantities of food items, sanitary pads, toiletries, and stationery to the institution.
Management of the Demonstration School for the Deaf is hopeful that with sustained support from government, NGOs, and philanthropists, the school can expand its facilities to admit more students and improve learning outcomes for children with hearing and visual impairments.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Obed Ansah /Koforidua
