Yes, it is really true!
Emmanuella and Stephen are currently both taking their final high school (Senior High School) exams!
Who could have ever imagined that upon their arrival at PCC?
Emmanuella
Emmanuella was born in December 2004 in the hospital in Nkoranza with severe physical disabilities. At her birth, it turned out she had no arms and no legs. What a tragedy.
Just a few days after her birth, Emmanuella came to our Community, and from that day on, she was and always remained here, as a very special resident.
Initially, it was unclear how she would develop further, particularly intellectually, but fortunately, it soon became clear that she is of normal intelligence.
After a number of years, to our delight, and with continuous support from PCC, she was able to attend a regular primary school. She did have to repeat a year there once, because, as was said, “she couldn’t write…” 😒!
That, too, was eventually resolved successfully, as she learned to write with a pencil or pen in her mouth from various experts and the caregiver who guided her at school. She became increasingly skilled and faster at it!
After primary school, she went to Junior High School and then, 3 years ago, to Senior High School here in Nkoranza.
And so now she is taking her final exams! She dreams of pursuing further University education and wants to become a journalist. Indeed!
What admirable perseverance Emmanuella possesses! She is a wonderful example for all those people who cannot cope well with setbacks in their lives. You look at Emmanuella and you automatically think: “how big is my problem really…”?
Stephen
Stephen was born around 2004 and then, in 2006, was “just” abandoned somewhere by his family. Two years later, in 2008, he eventually came to PCC via Kumasi Childrens Home. Stephen was born with a severe joint condition (“arthrogryposis multiplex congenita”), particularly in his legs.
Because he was neglected during his early years, he spoke little to nothing for years. He had clubfoot, sat very hunched over due to his illness, and also appeared depressed, perhaps as a result of the neglect.
After coming to our Community and following various, sometimes invasive surgeries (including those performed by Dutch orthopedists) and years of physiotherapy, Stephen has truly blossomed at PCC and has been able to develop well. He learned to walk with crutches and has become quite proficient at it, so much so that he can even participate in a football match!
However, due to the surgeries, Stephen’s legs are considerably shorter than normal, resulting in a very sturdy upper body and a somewhat less sturdy lower body!
Stephen is a self-taught technician who repairs all kinds of electrical devices and telephones without any problems, or even manufactures his own loudspeaker. Clever boy!
Stephen also went to school, just like Emmanuella, thanks in large part to the years of cooperation with the Nation Builders International School in Nkoranza.
After primary school and JHS, he attended Senior Technical High School for three years in Tuobodom, near Techiman, where he is now taking his final exams. Exciting!
After this, Stephen is very keen to pursue further education in ICT, and a friendly ICT organization in Accra is willing and able to offer him that opportunity. He will start his training there as early as 1st of July—amazing!
Stephen and Emmanuella are two special people who do not let their limitations define their lives, but who constantly seek out the possibilities they do have.
It goes without saying: the entire PCC is incredibly proud of these two young people.
We wish them both a wonderful future!
And we wish all our readers an inspired Pentecost!