Bechem (B/A), June 17, GNA - Mr. Bukari Anaba Zakari, Tano South District Chief Executive on Tuesday urged parents and guardians with physically challenged children to discard the notion that disability is the result of a curse. He stressed that it was wrong for society to consider the plight of such persons as a curse and abandon them "because disability is not inability"

"Parents, guardians and the society in general should show love and offer the necessary support to the physically handicapped through training, so that they would become useful citizens," the DCE said. Mr. Anaba was speaking at Bechem at the launch of the 40th anniversary celebration of Bechem School for the Deaf, under the theme: "40 Years of Deaf Education in Brong -Ahafo Region, Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward."

He pledged the assembly's support of GHC 3000 to the school towards the implementation of on-going projects.

Reverend Samuel Affainie Amankwa, Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Education, in an address read for him, assured the school of the directorate's support to move to greater heights. Nana Osei Tutu Okumason, Board Chairman, said the institution, which was started with only 14 pupils in May 1969, now has 360 pupils right from the kindergarten to the Junior High School level, including technical and vocational departments.

He said the school lacked transport and accommodation for teachers, explaining that the sources of assistance from donors, philanthropists and NGOs such as World Vision International were not forth coming. The Board Chairman commended the 46 teachers including six American Peace Corps Volunteers for their sacrifices and commitment, and appealed to the government and donors to institute motivational packages for them to deliver better services.

The acting Headmaster of the School, Mr. Puakyiene Linus Baba, announced that the climax of the anniversary celebration would be on Friday, November 6 this year, and the activities included public education through the media about causes, prevention and management of disabilities. Nana Fosu Gyeabour Akoto II, Omanhene of Bechem Traditional Area, called for the erection of a statue in memory of the late Mr. George Tetteh, who established the institution, on the campus.