Every child’s future matters, no matter what their circumstances, yet in northern Ghana, children living with disabilities are being left behind.
We need to change that.
In northern Ghana, an area where six in ten families lives in poverty, limited access to education and healthcare mean children’s disabilities are often misunderstood and, in some cases, the children are believed to be bewitched. As a result, these children are being left behind, neglected and even killed in some circumstances.
Fear of “bewitched” people has existed throughout history and all over the world. In rural northern Ghana, a disabled child is at high risk of being labelled as a “spirit child”.
Noah, who’s brother Narcissus has cerebral palsy, explained this belief:
"At first, over here in Ghana, when they saw children with these kinds of situations, they thought they were "spiritual children”…They believe that if they don’t kill the child, the child will end up killing the family members. If they were given the chance, these children they are very good; there are things that they can do that you wouldn’t even believe.”
Noah and Narcissus' mother, Benedicta, attends physiotherapy sessions with Narcissus and has seen the impact they've had on his condition.
“AfriKids people, it has helped us.” she said, “They’ve given us a standing device. The standing device is to help the child to be able to stand, to be able to have control on their legs.”
By providing critical physiotherapy support for children like Narcissus, empowering families with knowledge and changing attitudes towards disabilities, we can ensure disabled children in northern Ghana can thrive.
Will you join us in supporting them this winter? Check out our Every Future Matters Appeal to get started.
