The Epicentre is a non-profit, non-governmental organization launched in 2013 to provide “only the best inclusive services” to children with developmental disabilities.
The Epicentre is an educational and rehabilitative center located in New Gbawe, a western suburb of Accra, Ghana. We provide special education to children and young adults with developmental disabilities and offer physical therapy. We have students living with various conditions including Autism, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome.
Caregivers of Children with special needs sometimes need ‘respite’ and have time for themselves. The Epicentre offers ‘Weekend Respite’: families can bring their Child to stay with us from Friday evening till Sunday afternoon.
The Epicentre is partnering with the Head of State Award scheme Ghana. Our students are engaged in activities to achieve their Bronze Award. They are learning to play musical instruments, to do gardening and engage in sports and games. They also do ‘community service’ in the school by helping in the kitchen and maintenance.
The activities help them acquire new skills but also build their self-confidence and help them discover their talents!
Mission
We recognise that each child can learn to reach their full potential through guidance, encouragement, perseverance and continuous support. While our teachers and carers are at the forefront of the learning experience we also strive to engage parents and the community as well in our students' overall development.
Vision
Our vision is to provide a happy, caring and stimulating environment where each child can achieve their fullest potential. The Epicentre is a place of Christian values where each child can learn to develop respect for themselves and others.
Values
At the Epicentre Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering children with special needs through our unwavering commitment to our core values: Community, Achievement, Respect, and Enjoyment.
- Community: We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and unity within our community. We create a supportive environment where families, caregivers, and children come together as one, embracing diversity and understanding.
- Achievement: Every child has unique abilities and potential waiting to be unlocked. We are committed to providing tailored educational programs and resources that enable our children to achieve their goals, celebrate their accomplishments, and reach new heights.
- Respect: Respect forms the foundation of our interactions. We respect the individuality, dignity, and worth of every child. We nurture an atmosphere where everyone is valued, and differences are celebrated, ensuring each child feels respected and cherished.
- Enjoyment: We believe that learning and growth thrive in an atmosphere of joy and positivity. We create opportunities for our children to experience the pure joy of learning, playing, and exploring. Through enjoyable activities, we enhance their overall well-being and make their journey with us truly delightful.
Our Story
The Epicentre is a manifestation of the good old adage: charity begins @ home. Having arrived back home after years living abroad our top priority was sorting out a school for our daughter. We faced what many parents in our situation did: are there any Special needs schools out there thatwould cater positively for her particular needs?
After trying out a couple of schools with mixed results, we thought: why not do something ourselves for ourselves and, most importantly, for her.
After praying and reflecting for a good while, it dawned on us: to borrow a phrase from Obamas incredible election manual, that WE were precisely the ones WE had been waiting for. In other words, the solution did not lie out there with others but within ourselves. What started as a little humble abode of a 2nd home for the family became the solution.
Ordained by God. And here we are today. In a short time, The Epicentre has begun to impact lives and the local community positively. Bad roads and tortuous journeys have not dampened our resolve. Great things sometimes start small. Things can only get better.