Special needs children, parents get support from NGO

Children with special needs and their parents are expected to benefit from an entrepreneurship programme by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to help support their developmental challenges.

The move by the Beautiful Life Foundation, is aimed at empowering parents through entrepreneurship programmes to become financially independent to cater for such children.

Miss Pathula Esi Kwaw, Executive Director of the Foundation, indicated that most parents struggle financially in order to provide better living standards for their affected children.

According to her, the organisation will provide Respite Care Programmes to parents and other caregivers with child care services. This, she explained would provide a short-term relief, improve family stability and reduce the risk of abuse.

"Most of these parents, usually single parents, end up having health problems like depression, and stress. We believe parents must not die trying to care for such children, this is where Beautiful Life Foundation comes in. We are here to give beautiful life to parents." Miss Esi Kwaw explained.

Miss Pathula however, called on the public to stop the stigmatisation of parents with special needs, and rather offer them the needed support.

"It is not the fault of anyone to have a child with a deformity, it could happen to anyone", she added.

The Foundation was launched over the weekend in collaboration with the Prosper Ntoso Music Ministry, a group that seeks to project the gospel through music and support for the needy.

President of the Prosper Ntoso Music Ministry on his part said his outfit has over the years engaged in humanitarian projects to support the less privileged in society, adding; "We want to positively affect lives not only through music, but by helping to change the lives of many vulnerable people in society, this is one of the core mandates of this ministry"

"We have an upcoming project on Celebral Palsy next year to help create awareness about the condition, and to offer support to such children to live fulfilled lives. Last year, the ministry supported a special school in Battor, Volta Region and we are working to fully adopt the school as part of our project"