Finding Joy, Community, and a Call to Inclusion : Reflections from Visit to Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind

We are all born into a world with different life outcomes. It is never a child’s fault to be born with a disability or to face conditions beyond their control. And yet, too often, society makes them feel left out.

In 2017, during the Global Peace Games organised by FIFA and Play Soccer Ghana, I had the privilege of spending time with pupils at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind. It was a mixed feeling: joyful yet humbling.

Livingstone plays cards with students of Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind

The smiles on their faces as we played together brought me so much happiness. The pupils engaged fully in the games they loved, creating an atmosphere of fun and belonging. And yet, there was also the sobering reality: they could not hear my words nor enjoy the music playing in the background. Communication was limited to gestures, a reminder of the barriers they face every single day.

In that moment, I reflected on how even those of us who have voices often struggle to get our opinions heard. How much more difficult, then, for these young ones who can hardly express their feelings about the issues of education, politics, and policies that directly affect their lives?

Our mandate as a society must be clear: to be their voice, to show love, and to ensure that every child feels included, with a true sense of belonging.

One observation struck me deeply: despite the challenges, the children radiated joy because of the strong sense of community they had built among themselves. It reminded me that inclusion is not only about structures or policies; it’s about relationships, empathy, and creating spaces where everyone matters.


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