Yumba Special School in Tamale Appeals for School Bus to Boost Attendance

Accra: Hajia Fati Mahama, Assistant Headmistress of Yumba Special School, has appealed to the government, non-governmental organisations, and philanthropists to support the school with a bus to improve enrolment and regular attendance of pupils. She highlighted the lack of a functional transportation system as a significant barrier to consistent attendance, especially for pupils on the day system. According to Ghana News Agency, Hajia Mahama made the appeal during a donation exercise organized by the Center for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD Ghana) and its partners. The school's only vehicle, donated in 2012 by the late Alhaji Muniru Limuna, has broken down, forcing the school to primarily operate a boarding system, which poses access challenges for pupils from nearby communities. Hajia Mahama noted that enrolment was higher when the bus was operational, as it facilitated regular attendance from surrounding areas. She also pointed out other challenges, including dilapidated dormitory and classroo m facilities and inadequate water supply, which often forces the school to rely on neighbouring communities for water. The donation event was part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held under the theme: 'Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.' Madam Esther Nyamekye Opoku, Programmes Director of CORD Ghana, stated that the initiative aimed to promote inclusion and improve the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), particularly children in special and underserved schools. Madam Opoku emphasized that supporting children with disabilities is a responsibility, not charity, and called for investments in accessible infrastructure, transportation, and learning materials for special needs institutions. Miss Radia Nuhu, Founder and Executive Director of Naglogu Care Foundation, stressed the importance of empowering PwDs to reach their full potential, advocating for inclusive development. The group presented various items, including sanitary pads, mathematic al sets, exercise books, and pens to four schools, including Yumba Special School. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude and appealed for ongoing support to enhance the welfare and development of PwDs. The International Day of PwDs is observed annually on December 03, promoting the rights, well-being, and inclusion of PwDs.