The New Horizon Special School at Cantonments, Accra, is set to hold its Annual Art Exhibition and Sale to recognize the creativity of individuals with special needs and also to promote inclusion.
The event, which will take place on Saturday,15th November 2025 at the school’s campus in Cantonments, will feature a series of art exhibitions and performances.
It will feature an exhibition of handcrafted artifacts for sale, including Batik fabrics, kente sashes, Ghanaian dolls, doormats, jewelry, and greeting cards, live cultural troupe performances, interactive craft demos, student-led tours, and other fun activities.
For over 50 years, New Horizon Special School has been a beacon of hope and transformation for Ghanaians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Speaking with Dr. George Francois, the Interim Executive Director of the New Horizon Special School, he noted that the art exhibition aims to empower individuals with special needs with essential vocational skills.
He said, “Our mission has always been to help each student reach their fullest potential by living meaningful, dignified, and productive lives. At New Horizon, we recognize that children with intellectual disabilities are not independent in the traditional sense, but they can function, learn a craft and even earn money in a supportive environment like our sheltered workshop program.”
According to Dr. Francois, “when people see the intricate patterns of our kente, the precision of our batik, the quality of our baskets and the performances, their perceptions change”, urging the general public to “shift the narrative from sympathy to respect and appreciation.”
Dr. Francois added that the school aims to forge stronger ties with fashion houses and retailers to feature and market the students’ handmade crafts.
He added, “Such partnerships would generate sustainable income for the school while promoting visibility and appreciation of our students’ artistic talents within mainstream markets.”
The 2025 Art Exhibition and Sale is free to enter and promises a full day of culture, craftsmanship, providing an opportunity for the general public to witness the creativity of individuals with special needs.
The school has supported over 3,000 individuals through tailored academic programs for children aged 5–18 and vocational training for young adults over 18.
In 1992, the New Horizon Special School formalized its vocational section with dedicated workshops in basketry, sewing, batik & tie-dye, kente weaving, and jewelry-making.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
