Stride for Inclusion 2023: Embracing Diversity in Every Step

Today, Tiina Jori Ko Ba, in collaboration with St. John Bosco’s College of Education and the Ghana Education Service in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region of Ghana, had the chance to advocate for the rights of children and adults with disabilities and to promote their full inclusion in society. According to estimates, 71% of children with disabilities in Ghana are not attending school (ESP, 2018), which is alarming. Many children, especially in the Upper East region, are being kept at home due to their disabilities instead of being sent to school. Increased advocacy and awareness efforts are essential for the effective implementation of the 2015 Inclusive Education policy in the Upper East region.

“71% of children with disabilities are not in school. Shaaaaame on us!”

– Mr. Valerius Sandow

16th December, 2023 Stride for Inclusion Program, St. John Bosco’s College of Education

We began our walk at 8:00 am at Mayaga Junction in Navrongo, Upper East Region with 35 students from St. John’s Integrated School, three students from J.O.S School, five parent advocates, and numerous teachers supporting the rights of children with disabilities. Joining us were the Vice Principal of St. John Bosco’s College of Education, the Co-Founders of Tiina Jori Ko Ba, and two advocates from the Municipal Department of Mental Health. Some of the younger primary students grew tired and were given a ride by the Tiina Jori Ko Founders, while others enjoyed a fun ride with the friendly local police to St. Patrick’s Hall at St. John Bosco’s College of Education.Co-Founder of Tiina Jori Ko Ba. She shared about how “All children, should be all together, all learning.” Shortly after, J.O.S School performed a welcome song and Assistant Head Mistress Mercy Amoah shared a brief word about the J.O.S School.

We heard from Mr. Tom Gweru, the Special Education Coordinator from the Ghana Education Service, who spoke about the challenges to inclusive education implementation, and the need for more to be done to implement inclusive education in the Upper East Region. We also heard a speech about the important benefits of Inclusive Education from Mr. Valerius Sandow, a tutor and Quality Control Officer at the St. John Bosco’s College of Education. Finally, we heard from Dr. Adam Awine, Special Education Resource Coordinator at the University of Winneba College of Education. The Chair of the Program was the Vice Principal of St. John Bosco’s College of Education. We closed the program successfully and are looking forward to next year.