The Orthopedic Training Center (OTC), a non-profit organization aiming to give disabled people in Ghana, mainly children, the opportunity to become independent and productive, was supported by the Fortitude Child Support Foundation.

The Fortitude Child Support Foundation, also a non-governmental organization (NGO), donated various items to support the center in Nsawam Adoagyiri in the eastern region.

The donation consisted of various food items, liquid laundry detergents, bleach, soft drinks and cookies, washing powder and soaps, balls of clothing, bags and shoes, toiletries, and an unknown amount of money.

Ms. Evelyn Duah, director of the foundation, said the exercise is an extension of hope for vulnerable children, especially children in need of constant attention, love and care.

“In accordance with our mandate as the Fortitude Child Support Foundation, we support children and provide maternal health care to our unfortunate countries to reduce the burden of the handicap and create a favorable environment for coexistence.

“Through our interaction we send signals that they are not alone, that their situation should not act as an obstacle to their personal development. We want to help them build the right psychological and emotional strength to stand up and face the world, ”she said.

Ms. Duah called for a national holistic mechanism to ensure that no child, especially those with health concerns, is left out in the development of policies and social intervention programs.

She urged all stakeholders to partner with relevant NGOs and other non-profit organizations to support such institutions, especially when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are widespread.

Ms. Elizabeth Newman, Director of OTC, who received the donation on behalf of the Center, thanked them for the donation.

“The center provides rehabilitation, counseling, physical therapy, orthopedic equipment and also provides charitable care for children who are severely disabled,” she said.

Ms. Newman said the center, with a total admission of 120 patients and a staff of 89, has been drastically hampered by its workflow and admission of patients with the onset of COVID-19.

She appealed for financial assistance to pay workers’ salaries, help with operations, and promote the education of physically challenged children to keep the center running.

Ms. Newman said the center was founded in 1961 by the Missionaries of the Divine Word, founded by Brother Tarcisius de Ruyter (SVD) with the main purpose of rehabilitating physically disabled people in Ghana and West Africa.

The center consists of an orthopedic clinic, a workshop, a children’s department and the university for prosthetics and orthopedic training.

A mobile orthopedic unit regularly travels the country to assist those who cannot attend the center.

“We are very grateful for the many individuals, foundations and organizations that have worked with us to give the children the care they need to become individuals who can take their proper place in society,” said Mrs. Newman.

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