UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: Gladys Apuweni
In the heart of the Upper East Region, a silent revolution is changing lives and mindsets as AfriKids continues to champion the cause of children living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities once labeled as “spirit children.”
At a community engagement event to mark World Cerebral Palsy Day in Sirigu, the Women in Broadcasting, Upper East Region interacted with caregivers, physiotherapists, and AfriKids officials, who shared touching testimonies of transformation and hope.
Madam Regina Azubkina shared the story of her grandson, who was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy shortly after birth.
“I realized his movements were not good, so I took him to the hospital where they said he had mild cerebral palsy. At that time, he couldn’t talk or move, but now he can sit, move, and even walk with the help of a walker,” she said with joy.
Madam Azubkina added that after hearing about AfriKids, she brought her grandson to the center about three years ago. Since then, she has witnessed remarkable progress.
“At first, he couldn’t even hold his neck steady, but now he can control it well. His speech is improving, and he can now say a few words. I encourage other parents not to hide their children but to seek help from AfriKids or any available support centers,” she advised.
According to Mr. Ayambire William, a social intervention officer and physiotherapy coordinator for Afrikids, the organization has been working tirelessly to provide physical training and rehabilitation support for children with cerebral palsy across several communities.
“I’ve been working with children with cerebral palsy since 2008. Every week, our team moves across four(4) communities to attend to these children. We also conduct home visits to ensure that parents are following up with the training and using the devices provided,” he explained.
He emphasized that many parents initially believed their children’s conditions required drugs or were spiritual in nature, but through continuous education and training, that mindset is changing.
“The biggest challenge was convincing parents that physiotherapy alone can help their children walk. We don’t deal with drugs. We focus on physical training and awareness. Now, many of the children who could not sit or stand are walking,” he said proudly.
Mr. Ayambire also disclosed that AfriKids designs and produces assistive devices locally using simple materials like cardboard to create standing frames, sitting devices, and walkers for home use.
“Every year, we record great improvements. Just this year, seven children have already started walking through our training program. Some even come from as far as Walewale to benefit from the AfriKids physiotherapy sessions,” he revealed.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Joseph Asakibeem, the Project Manager for AfriKids, noted that the organization’s intervention in Sirigu began after discovering that children with disabilities, especially those with cerebral palsy, were being labeled as “spirit children” and often killed by families and communities due to deep-rooted superstitions.
“In 2013, AfriKids, in collaboration with local chiefs and community leaders, stood up against the killing of children accused of being spirit children. We built a facility here in Sirigu to rescue and care for these children,” he said.
He explained that AfriKids currently operates four major facilities across the Upper East Region, catering to over 250 children living with cerebral palsy. The centers offer physiotherapy training, assistive devices, and counseling for both parents and caregivers.
“As the project draws to a close, AfriKids is preparing to hand over these facilities to the Ghana Health Service to ensure continuity and sustainability,” Mr. Asakibeem disclosed that through
its consistent advocacy, training programs, and community education, AfriKids has become a beacon of hope for families once burdened by stigma and hopelessness. The organization’s efforts have not only restored dignity to children living with disabilities but also transformed public attitudes toward inclusion and care.
As Madam Regina Azubkina put it, “these children are not spirit children as people think. With patience and support, they can improve. AfriKids’ unwavering dedication continues to prove that every child, regardless of physical ability, deserves love, care, and the opportunity to live a meaningful life.
