Organisation Type:
Regional NGO
Description:
The Presbyterian Agic. Station-Sandema was established by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 1974 to address the needs and aspirations of the rural poor (men and women) engaged in agriculture and rural development activities. The station, usually called Presby. Agric. And Rural Integrated Programme (PARIP), runs an Integrated and Unified Programmes of Agricultural Extension, Rural Development and Agricultural Rehabilitation for the disabled persons. PARIP operates fully in two Districts: Builsa and Kassena-Nankana Districts both in the Upper East Region; and some part of West Mamprusi District popularly known as the “Overseas,” in the Northern Region. The area becomes inaccessible at the peak of the rainy season.
Objectives:
Establishing a Rural Integrated Programme covering Agricultural Extension and Rehabilitation (CBR) concept, and empowering the disabled with income generating activities towards sustainable development.
Partner Activities:
Organisational Strengthening: Developing a sound and sustainable income generating unit and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System. Developing an appropriate Human Resource Development (HRD) policy. Expanding institutional networking and instituting a cost reduction mechanism for effective use of resources.
Farmer Self Empowerment: Improving quality integrated extension services, promoting and facilitation farmer group participation and mobilizing farmer groups for effective action.
Gender Equity: Sensitizing farmer groups and target communities on gender issues, incorporating gender equity objectives at all levels, building staff capacity on gender analysis and undertaking and supporting advocacy on gender issues.
Programme Development: Developing participatory action oriented approach and tapping and using local/indigenous knowledge in crop/livestock development.
Declining Soil Fertility and Sound Environmental Practices
Medical: Upon identification of treatable cases, referrals and transfers are made to the various health institutions for appropriate attention for the restoration of functions. Cataract operations are sometimes held at the Project Centre, as there is strong collaboration between the programme and health agencies.
Functional:This is aimed at providing the individual person with a high level of confidence and self-reliance to be able to perform basic daily tasks successfully. It calls for skills training such as orientation and mobility for the visually impaired daily living and physiotherapy, involving family members.
Economic: Home or Community Based Vocational training for clients is also sent to be essential as income generation enables an individual to become an independent and useful citizen. Economic ventures under the programme include crop and livestock production, shea butter extraction, weaving, leather-work, tailoring etc.
Educational:The CBR programme also focuses on inclusive education for children with disabilities. Children with mild disabilities and residual functioning are integrated into the main-stream schools, while severely handicapped children are sent to special schools. A special education teacher is available in the programme to assist class teachers to be able to handle and teach children with learning difficulties.
Social: The programme offers Counseling Services to the disabled as well as family and community members on the acceptance and integration of the disabled. Clients are encouraged to participate fully in home and community activities.
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