Adangabey Yaw Rockson, a 32-year-old passionate school proprietor from Gbedema in the Builsa South District, has been named the MTN Hero of Change for the Education Category at the season 7 of the MTN Heroes of Change awards.
Despite living with cerebral palsy, Rockson has dedicated his life to providing inclusive, quality early childhood education in underserved communities.
Rockson established the Adangabey Royal International School, the first private school in Gbedema, to provide education to children as young as two years old. The school operates from a rented two-bedroom house and has enrolled over 160 pupils, spanning nursery to Primary 4. Despite financial constraints, Rockson ensures that no child is turned away due to inability to pay, with fees capped at GH₵ 120 and flexible payment plans designed to accommodate struggling families.
Being a cerebral palsy patient who has overcome all barriers to attain high level of formal education, it hurts to see abled children denied the opportunity to have a good start to their education. This moved me to establish a preparatory school in my hometown, Kadema.” – Yaw Rockson Adangabey founder of Adangabey Royal Int. School said after receiving the award.
Impact on the Community
The school's impact extends beyond the classroom, instilling discipline, nurturing confidence, and raising the aspirations of children in a district that has long lacked educational infrastructure. Community members and parents have praised the transformation in their children's lives, noting significant improvements in both attitude and ambition.
I feel very happy and fulfilled knowing that I have made it possible for the children to attend school, which is an opportunity for them to grow into responsible citizens who would someday give back to their communities” he said.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his success, Rockson faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of teaching and learning materials. Nevertheless, his vision remains unwavering, and he hopes to expand the school to provide free education to physically challenged children and establish more schools in deprived communities. However, having received a cash prize of GHc60,000 as part of the MTN Heroes of Change award, he believes that this challenge will soon be a thing of the past.
A Beacon of Hope
Rockson's story is an inspiration to many, and his nomination for the MTN Heroes of Change award is a testament to his dedication and passion for education. As Sofia Ayaric, his nominator, noted, "Adangabey is a differently abled person from a very poor background who could have been begging on the streets. But instead, he chose to rise above his challenges to help others."
Awards and Recognition
Rockson's achievement is a recognition of his tireless efforts to provide quality education to children in rural Ghana. The GH₵60,000 prize he received will go a long way in supporting his grassroots educational initiative and empowering more children in underserved communities.
Conclusion
Adangabey Yaw Rockson's story is a shining example of what it means to turn pain into purpose. Despite living with cerebral palsy, he has dedicated his life to empowering rural communities through education. His selflessness, passion, and dedication to his work are an inspiration to many, and his impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
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