PWS&D and the Presbyterian Church in Ghana Help Those Living with Disabilities
Manitoba had a noteworthy visit from John Alo Programme Director of the Garu Rehabilitation Programme in Garu-Bawku, Ghana Africa. The Garu Rehabilitation Programme and the Presbyterian Church in Ghana partners with PWS&D to accomplish the centre’s vision of “differently-abled” persons living decent, satisfactory and self-fulfilling lives. Their mission is building the capacities of the differently-abled persons to lead meaningful lives and thereby reducing the effect of disability through public awareness and education, primary health care, medical intervention, function and economic empowerment.
John began his visit in Brandon. He was the guest speaker at First Presbyterian followed by a number of presentations in the community. His visit coincided with Crocus High School’s AIDS awareness week, which began with a presentation by Stephan Lewis. He also visited the Knox Neepawa congregation and had an opportunity to visit some of the programs offered for differently-abled people in that area. At the end of his visit to Brandon John was surprised and grateful for the gift of a laptop computer by the congregation of First Presbyterian to aid in his work in Ghana.
In Portage la Prairie John was able to give his passionate message to the members of First Presbyterian after getting the entire congregation to join in a spontaneous chorus of “Go tell it on the Mountain” A familiar, unifying song in any country.
In Winnipeg John was welcomed at one of the Inner City Missions, Anishinabe Fellowship Centre. He heard about the work being done to provide safe, nurturing and peaceful spaces for the community, the majority of whom are aboriginal and also see the new “Place of Hope” project. The highlight of the visit was the ceremonial drumming and in particular a piece entitled “prayer for others”. John was able to share his work in Africa and a connection has been made between two programmes in different countries.
A final presentation was made by John at St. James Presbyterian Winnipeg on Monday, April 30th. Interested participants received a powerful PowerPoint presentation in which the final thoughts from John were:
- If you fail to see the potential in a disabled person, who is visually impaired?
- If you fail to hear the cry of a disabled person for social justice and quality, who is hearing impaired?
- If you fail to stand-up for the rights of disabled persons, who is physically disabled?
- And if you fail to understand the plight of disabled persons and the need for their inclusion in society, who is mentally challenged?
All who heard John were moved by his commitment to his country and the people within the Garu & Sandema area. Getting to know John and witnessing how he lives his life praising God for his blessings has been an inspiration to those he stayed with while in Manitoba. John Alo, The Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Presbyterian World Service & Development are supporting the wellbeing and quality of life of people with disabilities and their families in Africa. Thank you for supporting the work of PWS&D.
