Woodfield Manor Autism and Special Needs School has celebrated its 10th anniversary at a special program at the school premises at Frafraha in the Adentan Municipality of the Greater Accra region on Friday, July 7, 2023.
The CEO of the school, Mrs. Cornelia Boateng, in her welcome address recounted how difficult it has been to nurture these children with special needs to reach this far. From ground zero, this school, through its patron, Dr. Sam Jonah, Ghacem and others, has increased their number from below 10 in the beginning to over 40 children.
Children of this nature need water therapy most of the time. That’s why in most cases, they are referred to as ‘Nsuo ba”, when they are born. We are grateful for ERATA Hotel, in Accra, for providing the kids with swimming pool for water therapy. With this support, some of the kids are able to swim and can represent Ghana in international competitions. We call on the Government and corporate bodies to come to our aid.
Mrs. Cornelia Boateng also thanked all for helping the school to reach this milestone. For the 10th anniversary, the school is proud to open the same school in Kumasi to mark our 10th anniversary celebration. The school is ready and very soon we will be in Kumasi to open a similar Woodfield Manor Autism and Special Needs School branch to serve the Ashanti region.
The program was under the chairmanship of Nana Prah Agyensem. The special guests of honour were Dr. Sam Jonah and Father Campbell. Parents and love ones of the children of autism and special needs were at the program to join the school to celebrate this 10th anniversary.
The Special Guest of honour, Nana Prah Agyensem, Omanhene of Assin Traditional Council, who is also a Member of Council of State, said, in our part of the world, superstition is part of our culture and people with autism and special needs are often misconstrued in that light. However, special needs people are not spiritual children but a clear human defect issues that can be nurtured to become great personalities in the world as we have seen at Woodfield Manor and other institutions in other parts of the world.
As a member of the council of State, Nana Prah Agyemsem congratulated Mrs. Cornelia Boateng for the way and manner she has brought this school. He remarked that ten years ago, a vision took root, a vision to provide each child, irrespective of their circumstances, a fair chance to succeed. Woodfield Manor, established by our relentless NGO, became the embodiment of that vision and has since then become a beacon of hope for countless families. He added that as we celebrate a decade of Woodfield Manor and Special Needs School, we must find innovative way to create a world of every child irrespective of their challenges.
Sermon was delivered by Father Edmund Donkor Bainii and Father Campbell provided a motivational message to the owner of the Woodfield Manor Autism and Special Needs, Mrs. Cornelia Boateng for her dedication and service to humanity. He also prayed for the children with autism and special needs.
Anniversary cake was cut and enjoyed by the children, guests and teachers and workers of the home. Special awards were presented to teachers, individuals and corporate bodies who have supported the Woodfield Manor autism and special needs home. Representatives from Movenpick Hotel graced the occasion and presented an undisclosed amount of money to support their fundraising.
