2013 Update

Our major focus in 2013 was on increasing the exposure of CITA Foundation on social media - Facebook and Twitter and reaching out to individuals and organizations to publicize CITA's goals and objectives and promote support for its activities.  Through this networking, CITA made friends with notable personalities and organizations who will serve as a foundation for future information sharing, progress and growth in activities.  Donations were received from individuals and organizations such as Ambutech, which donated 300 canes with 60 more received from other sources. 

Akyeremade Children's Home and Learning Center, Ghana

With the water supply in place, construction resumed January 2013.  By September, the columns of the ground floor and the first floor slab had been completed, and the construction of its columns in progress.  In September, issues related to the land for the boarding facilities were settled with the new chief and his elders.  The way was therefore paved for concerted efforts to raise the funding for completing the children center and embarking on the elementary school project.  The total estimated cost for completing and furnishing the pre-school buildings will be about one million dollars ($1,000,000). 

Akropong School for The Blind (ASB), Ghana

CITA representatives visited the school in September and October.  On the first visit, the Founder and Director met with the school leadership and spoke to the entire school during their lunch time.  The occasion was used to provide more information on the objectives and activities of the CITA Foundation and especially for improving independent travel of students and teachers with the use of canes.  Other adaptive materials were audio cassette recorder/players, audio books, Braille books, toys and teaching aids.  The materials were presented to the school on October 11.  The Vice Principal with the support of the School's Orientation and Mobility Teacher received them on behalf of the school.  A majority of the students walked about with their peers holding hands or with their arms over each others’ shoulders.  Those who walked independently were very familiar with the school compound.  They usually walked slowly, hands trailing the walls, and walking along the curbs.  The CITA team's Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired was able to demonstrate the use of the canes with a few students. The occasion was special for the kindergarten child who was introduced to cane travel for the first time and was excited doing so. 

The CITA team also met with managers of other Ghanaian organizations and discussed ways of organizing future events to increase public awareness of the needs of the Blind in Ghana.  Further planning would be done in 2014 for this purpose.