Campaign by Story
Able Child works toward a world in which no child with a disability is left behind.
We support a network of African organisations to protect, educate and amplify the voices of children and young people with disabilities. Together, we work across Africa, breaking down barriers to inclusion so that children with disabilities are able to thrive.
Children like Patuma, who is a bright six-year-old girl living with her mother in Malawi.
From a young age, a problem with Patuma’s spine meant that she could not stand or sit unassisted. As other children began to play and learn together, Patuma was unable to join them.
Without the equipment or training to move on her own, Patuma was often left watching from afar. She relied on her mother for assistance from moving to eating and dressing.
Patuma was in danger of being isolated from her peers, and lacking the professional care to help her become more independent, she began to fall behind.
This is where we came in.
We rolled out our inclusive Early Childhood Development project which identifies children with disabilities as early as possible and ensures they are enroled into schools with community caregivers trained in inclusive education practices.
Crucially, Patuma was given a wheelchair in the first phase of the project. Patuma was immediately able to move unassisted more than she could before. Once registered at the early childhood education (ECE) centre in her area, caregivers began assisting Patuma with her fine and gross motor skills through basic physiotherapy.
At the centre, children with and without disabilities are taught and encouraged to learn through play together, and Patuma started taking part in activities alongside her peers.
Through the care and support that Patuma received, she is not just looking forward to playing more with her friends, but she has also found her voice.
Her confidence grew and she began to thrive.
We want to support more children like Patuma - but we need your help!
The contributions you make allow us to continue to change the lives of children with disabilities in Africa and importantly, support the growth of organisations in the countries where we work.
Thank you. To find out more, visit us at www.ablechild.org.uk