EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

3^rd REPORT – Global Giving

TITLE: EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN BAUCHI STATE.

The objective of this project is: To Provide qualitative Education to Children with Disabilities (CWDs) including Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) through inclusiveness.

Women constitute an integral part of any society when it comes to development. Sending girls to school is a moral, social and economic obligation. Society constrains its development and productivity where girls/women are not educated.

Benefits of Educating Women

There are numerous benefits for educating women and girls; these include increase productivity and earnings. It also improves their own lives, the lives of their families and the entire community. The educated women are known to be more caring, friendly and motherly. Furthermore, educated women and girls bring about positive cultural change as great modifiers for development.

CYDI School, Basic Statistics – February 2012:

1. Primary 1: Male – 18, Female – 12 = 30 (Physically Challenged – 17, Learning Disabilities – 1, Hearing impaired – 2, Multiple Disabilities - 1 and Orphans & Vulnerable Children – 9).
2. Primary 2: Male – 13, Female – 14 (Physically Challenged – 11, Learning Disabilities – 2, Hearing Impaired – 1,  and orphans and Vulnerable Children – 13)
3. Primary 3: Male – 13, Female – 9 (Physically Challenged – 7 and Orphans & Vulnerable Children 15)

Progress/Plans:

The school has spent full-term (3 months) and has settled down within the new environment.

To organize annual Inter-House sports competition to encourage physical health and mental wellness and promote integration.

Hopes to organize annual speech and prize giving. This will encourage productivity

Quotes:

“A Head teacher in public school: “I have come to respect children with disabilities because of their academic excellence.”

“I noticed that Children With Disabilities’ don’t accept alms/gifts just because they are disabled!”

“The Children With Disabilities are a great inspiration to me and all non-disable children!”

Case Stories:

Miss Zainab Abdullahi (1 week old - top left photo) was born in November 2001. According to Zainab’s mother, “she was born with lower limbs disabilities.” Zainab was attending a weekend Islamic school. At the age of 9, in tears, she asked her parents to enroll her into a formal school but her wish was not granted like other siblings. Why were you not in school? Her response was “I do not know why my parents did not enroll me in school” At what age did your siblings starts schooling? Zainab replied “when they were about 7 years old and attends a private school.” Zainab could not go to school before now may be because of her disabling condition.

Zainab is so inquisitive to learn. She had earlier asked her mum the cause of her disability; “”why am I unable to walk or use my legs? The mother’s reply was “you were born with deformity affecting your legs. Because of that, you couldn’t use your legs.” Zainab uses wheelchair as a mobility aid. Miss Zainab is from a polygamous family. She has 8 siblings and she is the 4^th out of 8 to her mother.

Hopes: Zainab exclaimed “I want to reach the height of my profession – teaching, if given all required support.” My teachers are kind, caring and tender.

Life is not without challenges especially to the disabled. Some of my challenges in school include bullying and aggression from classmates. My aspiration is to be a useful individual and to my community. I know this is possible with determination. “I am grateful to CYDI for the opportunity to be in school.” I pray other children with disability (especially in the villages) will be given opportunity like me. I am further encouraged seeing children with disabilities around me; this shows I am not alone in the struggle.

Appreciation:

We appreciate your support and donations towards the “education of children with disabilities.” Thank you so much for being a part of this project. We are encouraged. We sincerely appreciate your continuing partnership; donation(s) and support.

Summary:

The numbers of children with disabilities in schools have increased. This is expected to keep rising.  As a supporter of this cause/project; we are open to receive new ideas and learn from you or other best practices.

Together WE CAN achieve more and create the desired change.

• 3rd_REPORT.doc (DOC)