Twenty-three- year-old Millicent Banoye Ngmen has defied the odds to pick the overall best graduating physically challenged student award at the 26th Takoradi Technical University Graduation Ceremony in Takoradi.
Born with underdeveloped fingers, she was not deterred from pursuing a highly practical course which needs the use of her fingers. She says she refused to allow her deformity to define her.
Born with Symbrachydactyly (simbrakidaktalee), a condition where her hands did not fully develop, she’s risen above it all with grit and determination. She recalls the stigmatization she faced in school. But with her mother’s unwavering support and her school’s encouragement, Millicent has overcome self-doubt and is crushing her goals.
She has successfully completed her degree in Fashion Technology, a practical course that required the consistent use of the hand with flying colors. Millicent says she’s proof that with the right support, nothing is impossible.
“I made a decision: I won’t let my condition be an excuse for people to say, “She’s deformed, so she can’t do this or that.” For instance, I do a lot of things around the house that many didn’t believe I could do. I have my mother to thank for the person I am today. She encouraged me and never doubted my strength or told me I couldn’t do something.” She mentioned.
Her mother, Evelyn Banoeyele, beamed with pride as her daughter received the overall best graduating physically challenged student award. She has urged parents of children with disabilities not to abandon them but support them to achieve their success.
“My heartfelt advice to parents of children with disabilities is this do not abandon them. Instead, support and encourage them in whatever they choose to do. This builds their morale and confidence to pursue their own plans. Above all, we should never underestimate them.” She said.
Meanwhile Vice-Chancellor of the Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun is urging graduates to harness their creativity and innovation, armed with the practical skills, discipline, and problem-solving abilities acquired at the university for personal development, rather than waiting passively for jobs.
“As you step into the world of work, I urge you to explore more, expect new perspectives and challenges, and pursue innovative ideas that go beyond conventional boundaries.
Do not simply wait to be employed; instead, let your creativity and problem-solving abilities guide you especially now, as the global economy gradually recovers from major disruption.
In doing so, I strongly caution you against the temptation of short-term gains that compromise our collective future.” He stated.
In all 3,750 students graduated.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
