Changing the attitudes of a community

Growing up, Avina was rejected and mocked by other children. She was also seen as valueless by her community. As a result, Avina’s family didn’t think it was possible for her to attend a mainstream school. That was until she was referred to our Inclusive Education (IE) project. 

To prepare her for school, Avina went to the General Hospital. She underwent physiotherapy exercises to help strengthen her legs and hands. In August 2018 Avina was enrolled in nursery class at one of the school’s involved in the project. The project also provided her with a custom wheelchair that would enable her to use the chair as a desk. 

Initially it was difficult for Avina to be around other children. Her classmates and teachers also needed to adapt their attitudes. The teachers also questioned how Avina would be able to integrate at the school. To change this, the project focused on improving inclusive education training for the teachers. 

‘The IE teachers’ training changed our perception on how to support and manage children with different types of disabilities,’ Avina’s teacher explained.

The teachers then organised weekly sessions with the children to talk about disability. They also taught them about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Since then there has been a remarkable change in attitudes towards Avina. ‘As you can see, the children are happy to play with her and support her by pushing her wheelchair from home to school and back,’ the Head Teacher enthused. 

Avina has transformed into a very active and talkative student. She has also grown in independence. Avina ‘can now ask me to do some home chores like washing her socks and school uniform, as well as feeding herself,’ her mother said. ‘I was really frustrated because of being isolated by the community but now I can smile.’

The project has also helped change community attitudes. Other parents of children with disabilities have enrolled their children in school.