Accra: Best Buddies Ghana, in collaboration with Colgate PalmOlive Ghana, has donated essential educational items to Nature's Sprout Academy (NSA), a school dedicated to children with autism in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the donation included puzzles, play items, playdough, pencils, erasers, and various other materials to support the academy's efforts. Additionally, the school staff received toothbrushes and toothpaste from Colgate PalmOlive Ghana to promote healthy habits among the students.
The initiative was part of the celebration of the United Nations International Day of Friendship, observed on July 30. The event, themed 'Inclusive Friendship Day Programme,' featured activities such as painting and puzzle sessions to encourage creativity and inclusive interactions among the children at NSA.
Mr. Kojo Danquah Amankrah, Country Director of Best Buddies Ghana, highlighted the program's focus on promoting inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He emphasized the importance of NSA as a partner due to its longstanding commitment to raising awareness for those with intellectual disabilities.
The collaboration with Colgate PalmOlive Ghana aims to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Mr. Amankrah noted that this partnership marks the second collaboration with Colgate PalmOlive Ghana, and feedback from the company indicates plans to incorporate this program into their corporate social responsibility activities in the future.
Mr. Edward Sonkor, Customer Development Lead at Colgate PalmOlive Ghana, expressed the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. He urged society to acknowledge the challenges faced by children with disabilities and to support their development beyond the efforts of teachers and instructors.
Ms. Susana Simpson, Marketing and Corporate Relations Lead at NSA, praised the support from Best Buddies Ghana and Colgate PalmOlive Ghana. She emphasized the academy's comprehensive approach to neo-diversity, which includes mental health and physical well-being programs for the children, ensuring their holistic development.