Rockson Yaw Adangabey, a 32-year-old school proprietor from Gbedema, Builsa South, is making a remarkable impact in his community through his project, Adangabey Royal International School. Despite being a cerebral palsy patient, Adangabey has overcome numerous challenges to establish a school that provides quality education to children from low-income backgrounds.
Adangabey's motivation for starting the school stemmed from his own experiences as a person with a disability. He was driven to create opportunities for children in rural communities, particularly those who are less privileged.
The school currently operates in a rented two-bedroom house, with classes starting from nursery to primary 4. Despite the humble beginnings, the school has made a significant impact, providing education to over 160 children.
I believe it is my calling to help provide better and quality education for children in rural communities." - Rockson Yaw Adangabey
The school's flexible payment structure ensures that no child is denied education due to financial constraints. Parents pay fees as low as GHC 120 and below, making it an affordable option for families in the community. Adangabey's dedication to education has not gone unnoticed, and he has been nominated for the MTN Heroes of Change award.
Adangabey's nominator, Sofia Ayaric, a retired lecturer from Tamale Technical University, praises Adangabey's selflessness and commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
My nominee is a differently abled person from a very poor background, and under normal circumstances in our community should have been on the street begging for alms," she said. "But he braved the odds in the midst of his poverty to sacrifice his time, knowledge, and limited resources to provide education for the less privileged."
The impact of Adangabey's project is evident in the lives of his students. Parents and beneficiaries alike praise his dedication and passion for education, citing the positive changes they've seen in their children since enrolling them in the school.
Eric Azungbiik, a parent, expressed gratitude for the school, saying, "Through this school, my children now have an early start to education. Phidelia, now in class four, can do arithmetic and speak good English. Annie, in KG, can recite the alphabet and count the numbers accurately."
Yaw Rockson Adangabey
Despite facing numerous challenges, including funding and infrastructure constraints, Adangabey remains committed to his vision of providing free education for physically challenged children and establishing more schools in deprived communities. His story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of determination and passion in making a positive impact in society.
The MTN Ghana Foundation's Heroes of Change initiative is a renowned program that shines a spotlight on unsung heroes making a positive impact in their communities. Now in its 7th edition, the initiative showcases remarkable individuals who are driving change and inspiring others to follow suit.
Launched in September 2024, Season 7 received an overwhelming response with over 2,000 applications from individuals and institutions. The captivating stories of these heroes can be watched on UTV and TV3 every Saturday (7:00-7:10 pm) and Sunday (3:50-4:00 pm), as well as on the MTN Ghana YouTube Channel.
By highlighting these inspiring stories, the MTN Heroes of Change initiative aims to motivate others to take action and create positive change in their communities.
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