Africa-Press – Ghana. Coco Mission Africa, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing social inclusion, has taken a significant step to partner with Inclusive Family Alliance, a leading advocacy group for families of children with disabilities to advance social inclusion.
Mr Abraham Udom, Executive Director of Coco Mission Africa on Wednesday met with parents of persons with disabilities who are part of the Inclusive Family Alliance Community platform to know at first hand their life experiences and explore ways they could unite to build suitable support systems for families.
The meeting focused on exploring practical ways to strengthen support systems for families of children with disabilities across Ghana.
Mr Udom who lives in the United States, has a 16-year-old son with cerebral palsy and other condition, sharing his experience said he had access to respite services which greatly helps his family in the United Staes but in Ghana and other African countries, such support systems were lacking.
He expressed commitment to partner with like-minded organisation to provide sustainable support systems in Ghana and beyond.
Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Executive Director of Inclusive Family Alliance who welcomed the partnership and the need for the collaboration, said families needed to unite and build a formidable support system for themselves.
“It is only families going through the process of nurturing persons with disabilities especially cerebral palsy who will understand the everyday challenges that families are going through and will be able to build formidable and sustainable support systems
Mrs Awadzi emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships to amplify their voices for significant impact and improve the social support systems for persons with disabilities.
“The Inclusive Family Alliance has been a platform for caregivers sharing their voices and influencing policy, and this partnership promises to expand its reach and effectiveness,” she added
Discussions centered on the urgent need for collaborative strategies that address the challenges caregivers face, including access to resources, psychosocial support, respite services, and inclusive education opportunities.
Parents shared their experiences, highlighting both the progress made through Inclusive Family Alliance’s advocacy and the gaps in service delivery.
Mrs Mbiatke Thomas, Team Lead, at Peapod International School, an inclusive educational facility in Nigeria and a member of the Coco Mission Africa team took parents through exercises and practical ways to handle their children.
Mrs Thomas who is also a psychologist by profession answered questions from parents and gave them pep talks to help them in nurturing their children
“Families of children with disabilities deserve coordinated support that empowers them to thrive. By working together, we can create sustainable systems that respond to their needs,” Mrs Thomas noted.
Both organisations expressed their commitment to developing joint programmes and advocacy campaigns to enhance community-based support and strengthen national dialogue on disability inclusion.
