By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
The Rotary Club of Accra Osu-Re, in collaboration with Fashion for Special People, the Rotaract Club of Accra-Osu-Re, and Truly Black, has hosted a fashion show for the students of Dzorwulu Special School in Accra.
The event, which is a celebration of creativity, inclusion, and talent, saw the students showcasing their flair for fashion through an impressive series of runway walks, dance-offs, and even rap battles.
Exhibition of Talent
With the runway as their stage, the pupils took center stage, strutting in style and confidence. The atmosphere was charged with energy as students demonstrated their sense of fashion, each look reflecting their unique personality and flair.
The fashion show was more than just an exhibition of clothing; it was an opportunity for these young individuals to express themselves, with their talents shining as bright as the spotlight on the runway.
Fashion and Fun Initiated by Rotary
Adding to the excitement, a number of fashion designers were present, bringing their creative visions to life while also supporting the students’ journey. Interviews with key figures from the Rotary Club, the event organizers, and the fashion designers revealed a deep sense of purpose behind the show.
District Governor of Rotary District 9104’s Point of view
In an interview with Rays Report, the District Governor of Rotary District 9104, Rotarian Florence Maame Hagan who was thrilled by the event, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for students with special needs.
“It is in line with Rotary’s policy of Diversity Equity Inclusion where everybody has a talent that they can bring to bear to support the objectives of Rotary.
According to Rotarian Florence Maame Hagan, Rotarians are problem solvers, and this is one of the ways that they are able to support the school and make sure that they are engaged.
Rotary Club of Accra Osu-Re President speaks on inclusivity
The Rotary Club of Accra Osu-Re President, Rotarian Bennard Banor Mankwa emphasized the need for the students of Dzorwulu Special School to showcase their talents and feel empowered.
“Rotary is all about putting smiles on people’s face especially those who are a little bit deprive”.
The Birth of the Initiative
According to the Rotary Club of Accra Osu-Re President, the club had earlier made some donations to support the schools’ operations and upon considerations “we felt having a fashion show will bring their abilities to light and successfully it has been great, and we will keep it up and host it yearly.
He added that the club intends to do more and upgrade on each year’s program so to keep making impact. He reminded Christians to remember the needy as Christmas approaches.
The collaboration with Rotary
The partnership between the Rotary Club and fashion organizations also brought a sense of community together, showing how fashion can be a tool for empowerment and change. Fashion for Special People, a key collaborator in this initiative, noted that events like this are crucial for breaking barriers and changing perceptions about people with special needs.
Collaborators speak on solving a problem
Mr. Peter Wiafe Nkansah is the founder of fashion for Special People. He said, “as fashion designers we always have something to change the world, so we decided to solve a problem in a community”.
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“These special people also need clothes. They can also wear good clothes so it’s basically bringing fashion closer to them. He called on all designers and creatives to join the initiative so to put smiles on their faces.
Working with people with special needs
The Creative’s Director of Miyoko Atelier, Miss Catherine Amoako was happy for the collaboration. She said ‘it has been an amazing journey working with people with special needs. What we need to realize is that fashion is for everybody as we are trying to. It is inclusive as possible and that’s how come this initiative is a good one to get behind”.
Meeting the expectation
Touching on the challenges, Catherine Amoako revealed that “it has been tough, but it has been good as well. You know they are not as other models, but they have very good talents as well and I entreat all fashion designers to come to the school and use some of the models for your runway events”.
Conclusion
The fashion show was a resounding success, with every student leaving the stage feeling like a winner. It was an afternoon filled with laughter, joy, and the promise of more events to come proof that fashion and creativity truly have the power to bring people together. The occasion was also used to donate to the school.