The Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT)


	Working in the Community
	Pastor Thomas Ayine is actively involved in his community working in Bolgatanga and the surrounding area promoting the needs of disabled people in churches, schools and at public/national events. During his time in England (2003-2005) whilst training for his Diploma in Theology, Thomas visited Gary Knott and was very keen to review the work of MRCT. He quickly identified the similarities in our vision to ENABLE disabled people to serve their local community, something which he wanted to introduce to his work in Ghana. He also visited “Through the Roof” a Christian charity working with disabled people in the UK and oversees to review their extensive work with churches in all areas of disability access. All of this knowledge was taken back to Ghana and introduced into his work with disabled people which you can review below. Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (Youth Wing) This work started in 2006 and is an elected role and involves networking with organisations working with people with a disability in the Upper East Region of Ghana. It also involves liaising with district assemblies and national / regional coordinating councils in reference to inclusive decision making for all people, including those with a disability. Other working roles include dealing with conflicting problems for and on behalf of disabled people and seeking to resolve them amicably through meetings and discussions. The work is voluntary and takes up between 1-2 days per week including some weekend meetings. Thomas can travel up to 15-20 miles to attend meetings as he seeks to promote the rights of disabled young people in Ghana. Resource Centre - for people with a disability The centre is situated in Bolgatanga which is about 10 miles from where Thomas lives in the town. Thomas visits the centre each week in his pastoral capacity and as a member of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled. His work can include weekdays and weekends in line with activities at the centre. The Resource Centre is open from 08.30 to 14.30 from Monday to Friday and on the occasional weekend and is currently located in a very old building with limited access. The service has been in operation for many years. Users at the centre include people who are blind and/or deaf, people with a physical and/or learning disability and parents of children with a disability. Most of the work carried out at the centre is undertaken as part of a rehabilitation programme which seeks to train and develop the skills of individual people with a disability. This work includes: Weaving, Leatherwork, Fashion & Design, Information Sharing, Advocacy & Lobbying Workshops, Vocational Training, Networking, Sports and a Research & Reading Centre. Widows and orphans ministry Thomas has been the administrator for the local Widows & Orphans Ministry in Bolgatanga since 1999 which seeks to support people who have lost family members and need ongoing practical and psychological help. This ministry is very valuable to the community due to the current situation with HIV Aids in the country at the present time. Bible translation work Thomas has been working from 1989 on a Bible translation from English to the Gurune language which he originally started with his previous church minister who later died. This project is ongoing.