Parental Interference Affecting Education Of Children With Mental Disability

Authorities of Deduako Community Special School say parents are partly to blame for the poor academic performance of children with special needs.

Headmaster, Stephen Debrah Gyasi, describesas ‘unnecessary intervention’ the tendency for some parents to seek spiritual help for their children instead of keeping them in school.

He acknowledged learning for the mentally retarded childtakes a longer period compared with other children, hence the need forteachers to have the space to nurture them.

“The children are not able to stay in school for the whole term since much of the parents heed to advice of friends and take them for spiritual help. This disturbs the teacher and children very much,” said Mr. Gyasi.

He suggested that parents be adequately counseled about the incurable condition of their children.

According to Mr. Gyasi, some children also fail to go to school early since parents are unable to provide items required for their upkeep.

“We take no fees but children are expected to bring to school toothpaste, washing and bathing soap and other little items for their personal school,” he said.

The school trains the special children in beads-making, leather works, tie and die, batik, farm work and other self-help skills to be gainfully employed.

Mr. Gyasi spoke when AsantefuoKuo in Connecticut U.S.A, made a donation to the school.

Patron of the donor group, Nana SarfoAgyemang, says the gesture is a contribution to ensure the proper development of children with special needs.

“We believe in the abilities of these children, therefore the need to support to their development. We will continue to partner the school provide,” he stated.

The group had earlier renovated the boarding rooms of the school at the cost over 3000 cedis.