Megan's Experience at Mephibosheth Training Center

MTC is a boarding school established in 2005 by Andrea Linder, a physical therapist from New Jersey, and her husband, Kojo Jehu-Appiah, a Ghanaian pastor and educator. For nearly two decades, the school has been a safe haven for children with disabilities, providing education, therapy, and resources to help them thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.

• My OT professor, Katie, led the trip and this is her 9th time in Ghana!
• We brought 31 wheelchairs with us! We did fit and distribute a few of them throughout the week, however, those that were not distributed are still at the school to be given to anyone who is in need during the year. They do a trade system, if any person has a chair that can still be used but they need a better fit, the school takes that and will hold it for future use by someone else. Very efficient and making sure all resources are used well.
• A few of us went on a trip to Elmina Slave castle and national rainforest which was so impactful to see the area and learn more about Ghana’s history. Some really heavy stuff but important to be exposed to.
• We made a trip with the school pastor Joe, to see the local village (Apam) where the church used to be located and where many of the church and school members are from.
• We helped the teachers assess kids (fine motor skills, color matching, self-care level) with developmental and physical delays to assess if they are a good fit for becoming a student at the school.
• We supplied the students with underwear, toothbrushes, socks. We also brought SO MANY shoes and fitted each child for a new pair that they can wear in addition to the one they already have. Our shoes were multiplied…it didn’t even seem like we had touched the pile after each student had received what they needed. More than 80 students received a pair.
• The nursing team provided check-ups to all students.
• Our amazing I.T. guy installed internet for the school and fundraised enough money for them to have internet for over 1 year of service.
• Led tie-dye and crafting projects to provide enriching experiences throughout the week. My hands were multiple shades of blue/green for the week.
• Played many games with the kids. You can guess who usually won. :)
• Prepared care kits for the teachers and staff that included shampoo, nail clippers, deodorant, soap, towels or new sheets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a reusable bag, socks, plus a new tie-dye shirt.
• Collaborated with the kindergarten teacher to identify fine motor and attention needs of students in the classroom. An OT from USC and I observed students in the teacher’s classroom and recommended postural supports (vertical surfaces), environmental and desk modifications, grasp supports, and tips for teaching handwriting in a multi-sensory fashion. We provided handouts and education on handwriting and postural supports. I also fashioned a slant board out of cardboard leftover from the boxes our wheelchairs came in, with just cardboard, duct tape, and a binder clip, to give students a raised surface. Many of the children with CP benefit from greater support to improve stability for their fine motor skills. We educated the teacher and provided demonstration on the use of multi-sensory writing, use of the slant boards, pencil grips, and left them all with her for the classroom. This particular teacher was so eager to learn and carry over techniques and strategies from the therapy teams that come in, and it was a priority to listen to her needs and modify strategies to fit her context to ensure that it could benefit students long after the week was over.
• Had exposure to so much rich Ghanaian culture. Dancing, worship and celebrations, getting to see Joel, a mouth painter and support him through buying a painting, interaction with local market owners and their array of beautiful goods.
• Took and left supplies including field day equipment, assessment tools, medical tools, materials requested for the school staff such as new sheets, wheelchair tools and parts, shoes, and self-care items.

The hospitality of the people there was so impactful. The children there were vibrant, fun, friendly, kind, and so intelligent. They have so much interdependence with each other that is beautiful, and shows the benefits of a community-focused culture to our society that is more individually-focused. It also really critiques the value we place on true independence and showcases how meaningful it is to be interdependent and be able to achieve the same goals.

As I reflect on my week at Mephibosheth Training Center, I am filled with gratitude and honestly still reflecting on all I learned. The children I worked with have so much joy, kindness, resilience, creativity, and spirit. Lots of adaptability was used during the week. The staff at MTC h is doing transformative work, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute and also to just be present in what they are doing. Until next time!