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At just 32 years old, Yaw Rockson Adangabey, a school proprietor from Gbedema in the Builsa South District, is making a profound impact on the lives of children in underserved rural communities. As a finalist in MTN Heroes of Change Season 7, Yaw’s story is one of courage, determination, and selfless service, proving that true leadership comes not from wealth or privilege, but from vision and commitment.
Living with cerebral palsy, Yaw has faced his share of adversity. But rather than allowing his condition to define him, he turned it into his motivation. “I believe it is my calling to help provide better and quality education for children in rural communities,” Yaw says. “It hurts to see abled children denied the opportunity to have a good start to their education.”
With this driving purpose, he established the Adangabey Royal International School, the first-ever private school in the Gbedema area, to address the significant educational gap in Builsa South. The only government school in the district admits children from age five upwards, leaving many toddlers without access to foundational learning. Yaw’s school accepts children as young as two, laying a strong early educational foundation for the most vulnerable.
Operating out of a modest rented two-bedroom house, the school currently serves children from nursery through Primary 4, with over 160 pupils enrolled so far. Despite financial challenges, no child is turned away due to nonpayment. With fees capped at GHS 120 and flexible payment plans, the school prioritizes inclusion and accessibility.
The project’s impact reaches far beyond academics. It instills hope, builds character, and prepares children to become responsible, contributing members of society. Parents and community leaders alike testify to the visible transformation in students’ attitudes and aspirations.
Yaw's unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed. His nominator, Sofia Ayaric, a retired lecturer from Tamale Technical University, emphasized the extraordinary nature of his work: “Yaw is a differently abled person from a very poor background who could have been begging on the streets. But instead, he chose to rise above his challenges to help others. His story is one of sacrifice, empathy, and hope.”
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Community elder Eric Ayaric echoed the sentiment: “He commands respect and represents hope. He is changing the narrative about people with disabilities in our community.”
Now a finalist in MTN Heroes of Change Season 7, Yaw stands among ten inspiring individuals whose work spans the Foundation’s key areas: Education, Health, and Economic Empowerment. The overall winner will receive GHS 100,000, with three category winners receiving GHS 50,000 each. All finalists will receive cash prizes and citations, and their nominators will each receive GHS 5,000.
Yaw Rockson Adangabey’s journey is not just a personal triumph; it is a shining example of how one individual, against all odds, can transform a community. In empowering children through education, he is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Gbedema and beyond.
As the spotlight shines on the finalists, Yaw’s story reminds us that true heroes don't wait for change — they create it.
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