James- remarkable individuals-an occasional series

I first met head teacher James in a Spot bar, while enjoying a slow Saturday drink and playing Scrabble under the mango trees.

When the conversation turned to work, and VSO, I asked James,

“Where are all the children with disabilities, because I haven’t seen any in the schools we have visited?”

“Come to my school,” said James. And a few months later, Haruna and I did.

Head teacher James- at his desk.

We were invited into the head teacher’s office. James called several children, one by one, to come in, giving a brief explanation of each child’s particular problems. One child was withdrawn, shy of “the white lady” or anybody else. A young woman crawled into the office, and squatted on the floor. A few patently had learning difficulties. The ethos of inclusion, of respect, of the right to education, was clear throughout. James talked with his pupils, not at them.

I thought, what a basic and simple way to telegraph the message to all your teachers and pupils: - set the example; treat all your pupils with disabilities as pupils first and foremost.

The Primary 4 class- including two pupils with disabilities.

James’ support goes far beyond benign and passive acceptance of disability- beyond the call of duty. He has been active in pursuing Social Welfare, making contacts with the Ghana Health Service clinic near to his school, and with the local branch of a major charity, World Vision, to meet the needs of his pupils. He discusses their education with his Circuit Supervisor (the local inspector and advisor).  He will take a child on his moto (motorbike) for health checkups or to go home. His teachers, similarly interested, asked about training and teaching materials.

James and Haruna meet with a parent

Haruna and I took up James’ challenges, securing additional funds for some pupils, necessary hospital treatment for one, and arranging teacher training for his staff. At the end of the school year, James was invited to my Farewell Get together, where I could publicly thank him for being a model head teacher in supporting disability rights.

Teacher Barikisu, with her child-and one of her pupils with SEN. (Mothers bring their babies to work until they reach school age.)