In commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Care and Support, Care Access for Resilient Africa - CARA visited the Garden City Special School in Asokore Mampong, Kumasi, to celebrate caregivers and spotlight the indispensable role they play in supporting children with special needs.
The UN International Day of Care and Support, established by the United Nations in 2023, is observed every 29th of October to recognize the vital contribution of caregivers and promote investment in care systems as a cornerstone of social and economic development. The day calls on governments, institutions, and communities worldwide to prioritize care work as essential to human wellbeing and sustainable growth.
The visit formed part of CARA’s broader mission to raise awareness about the care economy and to amplify the voices of caregivers whose daily sacrifices sustain homes, schools, and communities. Through its “Care Matters” initiative, CARA continues to advocate for care to be recognized not as charity but as a critical infrastructure for Africa’s social and economic resilience.
A call for greater recognition
During the engagement, the Principal of the Garden City Special School, Mrs. Roselyn Frempomaa Adjepong, shared a deeply moving message that highlighted both pride and urgency:
“For my 24 years in special education, this is the first time I am hearing about the UN International Day of Care and Support. We are glad that such a day exists, but its impact is not being felt on the ground. If there is truly a global day for care, then it must translate into tangible support for those who are actually providing care.
Carers need periodic training, improved welfare, and better salaries, whether in government or private institutions. Many of our caregivers live in the schools for months at a time, away from their families, dedicating their lives to caring for children who require special attention. Yet, their contributions remain undervalued.
Within the Ghana Education Service, there must be a deliberate effort to review the structure for caregivers in special schools. Promotions and salary adjustments have been stagnant for too long. A caregiver may reach the rank of Senior House Mother by age 32 and remain there until retirement. There should be higher ranks such as Chief or Principal House Mother to recognize long years of dedicated service.
My message to the UN is this: carers in Ghana’s special schools must be given renewed attention. Their sacrifices are immense and deserve to be matched with systemic reforms. And to parents of children with special needs, I urge you to support the caregivers who work tirelessly for your children. They are doing a great job and deserve our collective appreciation.”
Her remarks resonated deeply with CARA’s mission to dignify care work and strengthen social protection for caregivers across Africa.
CARA’s reflection
Speaking after the interaction, Joana Kyeremateng, Founder of CARA, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming the care landscape in Africa:
“The care economy must be treated as infrastructure, not charity. The people who provide care make our societies possible. Investing in their skills, wellbeing, and social protection is investing in the future of our humanity.”
As the world reflects on the UN International Day of Care and Support, CARA calls for greater attention to the lived realities of caregivers, especially those in under-resourced institutions. Africa must take care seriously, to honor those who care, empower those who need care, and build systems that sustain both.
