Special school for Children with Autism in Ghana

The Story: Stephen cannot walk. He struggles to speak. For years, he could not even leave his home. Born with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, Stephen spent his childhood watching life happen around him—never part of it. While other children ran and played, he remained in one place, unseen and unheard. When we met him in 2015 during a rural outreach in Nkwakwannua, his world was limited to a single spot on the ground.

What Changed: We gave Stephen his first wheelchair. That simple act changed everything. For the first time, he could move. For the first time, he could be seen beyond the walls of his home. We connected him to medical care and enrolled him in health insurance, easing the burden on his family. But movement is not enough. Stephen still has no place to learn.

 The Urgent Need: In the entire Sekyere East District, there is no school designed for children like Stephen. Children with cerebral palsy and autism are often misunderstood, hidden away, or denied education altogether. Right now, more than 120 children are sitting at home—not because they cannot learn, but because there is nowhere for them to go. Without urgent action, they will remain excluded for life.

Our Solution: We are building a Six-Unit Inclusive Learning Centre—a place where children like Stephen can finally belong.This centre will provide safe classrooms, therapy support, and trained teachers who understand their needs. It will open the door to education for children who have never had that chance.

 Why It Matters: Stephen did not choose his condition, but we can choose what happens next. Your support gives him more than education—it gives him dignity, visibility, and a future.

Take Action: A small gift can change a life.

• $30 provides learning materials for one child for a term.
• $200 provides a specialized desk for a child like Stephen.

Support the project: Special School for Children with Autism in Ghana

#DisabilityInclusion #AutismAwareness #CerebralPalsy #InclusiveEducation #EducationForAll #Ghana #EndStigma #ChildrenWithDisabilities #AccessToEducation

Links:

• Stephen first identified in the community

1. Summary of Fundraising Progress During this reporting period, Pinasol Foundation implemented a focused fundraising campaign to mobilise resources in support of children with autism and the development of a special school in Ghana. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about autism, highlight the urgent needs of affected children and their families, and generate financial support to improve access to specialised care, education, and learning facilities. Through these efforts, the project has gained increased visibility among donors and partners, strengthening support for inclusive education and care for children with autism. 2. Fundraising Activities Undertaken Throughout the period, the Foundation carried out sustained fundraising activities using digital platforms and direct engagement with supporters. Updates, stories, and awareness messages were shared through social media to highlight the realities faced by children with autism and their families. In addition, targeted outreach was made to partners, friends, and diaspora networks through emails and direct communication. These engagements emphasised the importance of early intervention, specialised education, and the need for a dedicated learning environment for children with autism. The campaign also focused on educating the public, helping to reduce stigma and increase understanding of autism within the community. 3. Results Achieved The fundraising efforts have generated contributions that are supporting on-going project planning and preparatory activities. While the full funding requirement has not yet been met, the resources mobilised so far have helped sustain momentum and maintain progress toward establishing the special school. The campaign has also attracted new supporters and strengthened relationships with existing donors. Increased engagement across communication channels indicates growing interest and commitment to supporting children with autism. 4. Outcomes and Impact of Fundraising Efforts Beyond financial contributions, the campaign has contributed significantly to raising awareness about autism, an area that often receives limited attention in many communities. It has helped bring visibility to the challenges faced by children with autism, including limited access to specialised education and social stigma. As a result, more individuals and organisations are beginning to recognise the importance of inclusive support systems. The fundraising efforts have also reinforced trust among donors by clearly communicating the project’s vision and intended impact. 5. Challenges in Fundraising Fundraising for autism-related projects presents unique challenges. Awareness levels remain relatively low, and there is still limited understanding of the condition in many communities. In addition, competing global priorities and economic constraints have affected donor response levels. The scale of resources required to establish and operate a specialised school also remains significant. To address these challenges, the Foundation has focused on continuous awareness creation, storytelling, and building stronger relationships with partners. 6. Next Steps in Fundraising In the coming months, Pinasol Foundation will intensify its fundraising efforts to secure the resources needed to move from planning to implementation of the special school. The strategy will include deeper engagement with donors, expanded outreach to international partners, and increased use of storytelling to highlight real-life needs and potential impact. Efforts will also be made to build partnerships with organisations and institutions working in special education and disability support. 7. Appeal to Donors and Partners Children with autism deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential in a supportive and understanding environment. We humbly invite our partners and supporters to continue standing with us in this important mission. Your support will help provide specialised education, care, and a safe learning space for children who are often overlooked. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a school that will transform lives and give hope to families. 8. Conclusion This reporting period reflects steady progress in fundraising and awareness creation for the Special School for Children with Autism. While more resources are needed, the growing support and engagement provide a strong foundation for the project’s success. With continued commitment from donors and partners, we are confident that this vision will become a reality, offering life-changing opportunities for children with autism in Ghana.