In the heart of Kadema, a rural town in Ghana’s Builsa South District, a man with a quiet resolve is rewriting the story of early childhood education—one child at a time. Yaw Rockson Adangabey, living with cerebral palsy, has turned his triumph into a mission to empower young minds. His motivation is simple but profound: “It hurts to see abled children denied the opportunity to have a good start to their education,” he says. “This moved me to establish a preparatory school in my hometown.”
His school, the Adangabey Royal International School, is more than just an institution—it’s a beacon of hope. In Gbedema, where the only government school admits children aged five and above, many younger children are left idle during their most formative years. “That left me with no choice but to start a school that welcomes children as young as two,” Rockson explains. His initiative became the first private school in the entire district, serving families often overlooked by the mainstream education system.
Housed in a modest rented two-bedroom home, the school caters to over 160 children, offering nursery to Primary 4. But for Rockson, affordability is key. No child is turned away due to a lack of fees. “Parents pay GH¢120 or less. We’ve designed flexible payment terms tailored to each family’s situation,” he notes, a policy that has allowed peasant farmers and low-income parents to enrol their children without fear of shame or rejection.
Though the space is limited, the vision is expansive. “My goal is to build a strong early foundation for our children,” Rockson says with pride. “It’s fulfilling to know that these children now have the opportunity to grow into responsible citizens who can someday give back to their communities.”
His extraordinary commitment has not gone unnoticed. Sofia Ayaric, a retired lecturer from Tamale Technical University, nominated him for the prestigious MTN Heroes of Change award. In her words, “Being a differently abled individual from a poor background, Rockson has defied the odds to make a meaningful impact in his community. Despite his own challenges, he has dedicated his time, knowledge, and limited resources to provide education for the less privileged.”
Sofia sees in Rockson a model of perseverance and purpose. “Recognising him with an award would not only be a well-deserved commendation but also a boost to help him continue serving humanity,” she adds. For her and many others, his story is a reminder that “everyone can make a difference, no matter their circumstances.”
Parents like Lamisi Ajutie and Eric Azungbiik echo this sentiment. Their children, now enrolled at the school, have shown remarkable improvement—not just academically but in their confidence and social skills. “The school has filled a critical gap,” says Eric. “We used to travel long distances and spend so much. Now, our children can learn right here in our own community.”
Perhaps most inspiring is the ripple effect Rockson’s mentorship has created. One young boy, Ransford Ajutie, now dreams of becoming a police officer—a goal sparked by Rockson’s encouragement. It’s just one of many stories that reflect the school’s deeper purpose: not just to educate but to inspire.
As his nomination for MTN Heroes of Change gains attention, Rockson remains grounded. His focus remains on the children, their parents, and the community that has embraced his vision. And in doing so, he continues to prove that even the smallest school can shape the brightest futures.
