In Africa, over 80 million persons with disabilities face daily challenges and live in seclusive and deplorable conditions. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM) is embarking on a groundbreaking and ambitious project that aims to revolutionize the lives of persons with disabilities in Ghana. Welcome to the CEM Ability Village, a strategic and long-term solution designed to provide independence, dignity, and a model-inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
The CEM Ability Village represents a transition from the annual “Day of Help” initiative to a comprehensive and sustainable community that will empower persons with disabilities in unprecedented ways. For eight years, the Day of Help event brought together over 10,000 persons with disabilities in Accra, providing them with free medical care, food supplies, clothing, and more. However, Reverend Dr. Steve Mensah, the passionate philanthropist and General Overseer of CEM, envisioned a future where persons with disabilities could experience a more strategic and long-term impact on their lives. This vision led to the birth of the CEM Ability Village.
Scheduled to commence in July, the CEM Ability Village will be situated on a vast 2000-acre land in Ningo, within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The first phase of this monumental project, estimated to cost USD 85.3 million on a 500-acre land, will be funded through generous donations from individuals and organizations who believe in the transformative power of inclusivity.
The overarching objective of the CEM Ability Village is to create an integrated and empowering community that addresses the multifaceted needs of persons with disabilities. The village will encompass key areas such as accessible and affordable housing units, quality inclusive education, accessible health and social care, inclusive employment opportunities, vocational education and training, technology hub and inclusive agriculture.
One of the most pressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities is the lack of accessible and affordable housing options. The CEM Ability Village will provide over 9,000 accessible and affordable housing units, offering independence and dignity to more than 69,000 families over the next 5 years. These homes will be designed to cater to the specific needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of their living environment.
Education is a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their abilities. However, children with disabilities often face significant barriers in accessing quality education. The CEM Ability Village will establish first-of-its-kind inclusive schools that will provide education to over 10,000 children with disabilities. These schools will offer individualized support and assistance, empowering every child to reach their full potential and break free from the limitations imposed by society.
In terms of health and social care, the CEM Ability Village will house a world-class hospital equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by medical professionals trained in specialized care for persons with disabilities. This 100-bed specialist hospital will provide comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health support, rehabilitation, counseling, and outreach programs. By addressing the unique healthcare needs of persons with disabilities, the village aims to ensure their holistic well-being and enhance their quality of life.
One of the standout facilities of the CEM Ability Village is the Technology Centre, envisioned as a hub for innovation, skill development, and empowerment. This cutting-edge facility will provide relevant technology skills training in programming, robotics, and other emerging fields to individuals with disabilities. The Technology Centre aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to the opportunities offered by the rapidly evolving technology industry.
Through specialized vocational and technical programs, skilled instructors and industry professionals will provide hands-on training and mentorship to the residents. Residents will learn practical skills, acquire industry-recognized certifications, and gain valuable work experience through internships and apprenticeships. By equipping individuals with disabilities with marketable skills and relevant industry knowledge, the CEM Ability Village will break down barriers to employment and foster a culture of inclusion in the workforce.
Employment opportunities for persons with disabilities are often limited, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and exclusion. However, the CEM Ability Village is committed to breaking this cycle by establishing industrial hubs that provide inclusive employment opportunities. These hubs will not only provide jobs but also foster an inclusive work environment where persons with and without disabilities can collaborate and thrive. Additionally, vocational education and training programs will be offered, equipping residents with the skills they need to succeed in various industries.
Agriculture plays a vital role in the economic development of any country. To promote inclusivity in this sector, the CEM Ability Village will implement a world-class agricultural program. With access to the latest technology and equipment, persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to participate in agricultural activities and contribute to the growth of the community and the nation as a whole.
To create awareness and garner support for this groundbreaking project, the CEM Ability Village has launched the “10 for Ability” campaign. The campaign encourages individuals to donate 10 cedis, 10 dollars, 10 pounds, 10 yen, or any other currency every month for the next 12 months. These donations will directly contribute to the realization of the CEM Ability Village and its vision of an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can thrive.
In celebration of this significant milestone, a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place on the 24th of June, 2023, at the project site in Agortor-Kope, Ningo Prampam District. The ceremony will be graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honor. Various stakeholders, including Persons with Disability Organizations, Ministers of State, Foreign Missions, Traditional Chiefs, and Civil Society Groups, will also be in attendance.
The CEM Ability Village represents a paradigm shift towards inclusive and sustainable solutions for persons with disabilities in Ghana and sets a remarkable precedent for the rest of Africa. By addressing housing, education, health, employment, vocational training, and agriculture, the village aims to create a model-inclusive society that recognizes the immense potential of persons with disabilities and provides them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Together, let us embrace this transformative journey and support the CEM Ability Village in its quest to make a lasting impact on the lives of persons with disabilities. Through our collective efforts, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
For more information and to contribute to the “10 for Ability” campaign, please visit the official CEM Ability Village website at www.cemabilityvillage.org/donate.
