Speech and Language therapy (SLT) has been a thing for 70 years in the UK. In Ghana it is just getting started as a profession. For the population of 22 million people until recently there have been fewer than 10 SLTs.

But from September 2018 twelve new SLTs will have qualified and be ready to work. Each year from now on will see new Ghanaian students graduate in Accra.

University of Ghana has a brilliant new postgraduate programme like the one we are studying on at the Universities at Medway in Kent.

But unlike ours, the students have no access to video cameras, laptops, photocopiers, laminators, nor are they able to browse published resources, books and DVDs in a centre such as we have. So much that we take for granted is not yet available.

Once the first 12 SLTs qualify, the newly qualified therapists have no follow up courses and no way of accessing continuous professional development.

In solidarity with our Ghanaian SLT student practitioners we (Poppy, Lawrence, Catherine and Bernadette) are running the Geneva half marathon on 6th May 2018.

We aim to raise at least £500 to buy resources to support the training of the next cohort of SLTs in Ghana. All the money we raise will be spent by the SLTs, the staff and us to stock a resource centre. We will liaise with them to give advice on what we have found most helpful. The resources will be available to students during their programme and to graduates after they are qualified.

The resources that are bought with your money will be up to date and culturally appropriate. Your money will make an impact, an impact that will be long lasting.

Thank you so much.