Testimonials
I had the opportunity to volunteer with The Epicentre as an undergraduate student from the United States interested in learning about disability justice and education for students with disabilities in Ghana and other contexts globally. Joyce Ankrah, the Founder of The Epicentre, is a fierce advocate for the experiences of children with disabilities and their families, and over the course of my time getting to know her organization and later volunteering on a project to expand the center’s playground, I learned so much from her and the other leaders involved in the center about community organizing, sustainability in project design, advocating for educational equity, global solidatarity among persons with disabilities, and what it takes to build a community center and facility like The Epicentre piece-by-piece.
As someone who volunteered with The Epicentre earlier on in its journey, it is incredible to continue to receive updates from the center many years later regarding how it continues to grow, evolve, and rise to the meet the needs of children, parents and families in the community. On a personal level, my volunteer experience helped me to develop my own confidence in my identity as a disabled person. Profesionally, it helped me to identify areas of my own strengths as an advocate and areas for growth where I needed more education, training, and critical reflection. Volunteering at The Epicentre is a great opportunity for students and trainees in particular to gain hands-on experience and to learn from teachers and other leaders who have experience working in the community and advocating for inclusive education. I know I left my experience volunteering at The Epicentre inspired to someday do the type of advocacy that Joyce and The Epicentre is doing in my own community.
I look back fondly on the month I spent in Ghana during the summer of 2015. As an intern for the Ghana Strong Initiative/The Epicentre, one of the projects I was a part of focused on increasing the Epicentre's visibility and helping it move more effectively towards its vision of providing optimal, accessible education for children with disabilities in Ghana. This project involved collaborating with Joyce and DL, the founders and Directors of the Epicentre and the Ghana Strong Initiative, respectively, to brainstorm ideas for learning tools for students with varying abilities (such as an outdoor play area and sensory garden), educating people in Accra about disability, recruiting new students, and raising funds. Having worked previously in a school for students with severe and multiple disabilities in the United States, I had an idea of successful (and less successful) teaching methods, and also observed some classes at The Epicentre and shared my reflections with Joyce. I feel grateful for and energized by the opportunity to have served as an intern, and know that the Epicentre will continue to provide high-quality education for children with disabilities - as well as high-value experiences for interns!
Being a part of The Epicentre team has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The children are truly remarkable, and the staff members are fantastic. I appreciate how they have organized the students into classes based on their individual strengths. Each subject has its own set of learning materials, which greatly facilitates the teaching process. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Epicentre, and I would not hesitate to choose it as my place of employment, whether on a full-time or part-time basis, in the future
I am delighted to share my experience with The EPICENTRE SPECIAL SCHOOL. The dedicated team of educators and carers at The Epicentre is not only passionate about nurturing intellectual growth but also committed to creating a supportive and active environment for young minds. Furthermore, the Epicentre’s dedication to creating a strong community is commendable. The collaborative approach involving parents, teachers, and children creates a nurturing atmosphere where everyone plays a role in the child's development.
I am happy to express my gratitude for the enriching experience I had at the Epicentre for Children with Special Needs in Ghana. The thoughtfulness and careful planning that went into organizing the 3 day Summer Camp were evident from the moment I arrived. This experience not only provided a break from the routine but also created an inspiring and inclusive space to connect, learn, and experience the abilities among the children I encountered. The Summer Camp’s emphasis on creating a fun, supportive and accepting environment allowed the children to build meaningful connections with other special needs children, establishing a sense of friendship that extends beyond the home. I am grateful for the positive impact The Epicentre has had on every child's educational journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent seeking an institution that recognizes and cultivates the unique gifts of their children.
