A BETTER START FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

In Malawi, community-based childcare centres (CBCCs), run by volunteers, provide an invaluable opportunity for local children, making sure that they get the best possible start in their education.

The lives of children with disabilities are also being transformed by the centres, which provide safe spaces for them to have fun, socialise and learn new skills with their peers.

Through Comic Relief funding, Sightsavers has so far been able to support 10 of these centres in their work with children with disabilities.

Two of these children are Chisomo and Chaona.

cHISOMO'S STORY

Chisomo was born prematurely with a stunted arm, slow development and other issues including a form of epilepsy. When her parents separated, her mother struggled to take good care of Chisomo and started leaving her alone and locked in the house, while she went about her day with her other children.

Members of Chisomo’s community raised the alarm, and eventually Chisomo was placed in her grandmother’s custody.

Now Chisomo and all of her siblings live with their grandmother Regina, who is making sure that Chisomo is getting the best possible care.

Now six years old, Chisomo’s transformation has been profound, thanks to her grandmother’s time and dedication, and her medical care including physiotherapy and medication. Her time at the childcare centre has also been integral to Chisomo’s progress.

“Little by little Chisomo has learnt to stand on her own and start walking,” says Regina. “Before, she couldn’t stand. She couldn’t even sit unsupported. I’ve gone to a lot of trouble and spent a lot of money going to hospital once a month. But seeing Chisomo how she is now makes me so happy and fills me with joy, to see the fruits of my labour.

“I’m scared to leave her in someone else’s care. [But] I think things would not be as they are today [if she hadn’t attended the childcare centre], especially the socialising part.”

Chisomo loves attending the early learning classes in her village, and her grandmother is not the only one who has noticed the impact these have had on Chisomo’s progress.

“Bundled up as a baby, Chisomo couldn’t move her head from side to side, and her body was so pale,” says Sightsavers programme officer Thomas Kanjodo. “I couldn’t have imagined she’d be as she is today. She needs interaction and stimulation – she can listen even if she can’t respond.”

Justin, one of Chisomo’s caregivers at the childcare centre says: “When Chisomo arrives, the children flock straight to her, and don’t stray far from her. She has a very jovial nature and that attracts friends. I’ve been working with Chisomo and her family for two years now. I love working with children, making sure they grow and become independent citizens.”

chaona's story

Chaona is 14 years old. He’s visually impaired and also has intellectual disabilities.

“I recognised that Chaona had a disability soon after birth,” says Chaona’s mother Rose. “I noticed because when he was born, he even cried differently. I noticed his eyes were not focusing. My only fear was: what will happen to this child? Will he survive? Will he grow and become an adult?”

Early learning classes at the Nyangu childcare centre have helped Chaona make great progress and the training the caregivers at the centre received on how to help children with disabilities has been a big part of this.

“The teachers have paid attention to make sure he’s able to join in the activities of the other kids, and not be left behind,” says Rose. “As a parent I really thank the caregivers for the skills they have and the energy they give. Chaona is where he is now because of their care and attention.”

Since coming to the centre, Chaona has learnt how to eat with a spoon and dress himself.

“It’s because of the interaction with his friends,” says Rose. “He saw them all doing the same thing and that made him able to do it on his own. I also practised with him at home.”

“I’m happy to come to school. I like saying my vowels!” Chaona shouts joyously. “A! E! I! O! U! Amos my brother is my best friend.”

Chaona will now carry on with his education like any other child, starting with primary school, where he’ll go with the same friends.

To make sure that the teachers at primary school understand how best to support Chaona and other children with disabilities, Sightsavers has trained village chiefs and CBCC management committee members to write letters of introduction for primary schools receiving children with disabilities. The letters explain the child’s background, health requirements and learning needs.

The centres are transforming children's lives and futures. And the story is not over yet. By March 2019, 20 community-based childcare centres will have benefited from Comic Relief funding and Sightsavers' support, by receiving training and equipment to assist the centres’ transformative work.

Alex Alumando, caregiver at Nyangu CBCC, is one of the volunteers who has already benefited from the training.

“One of the things that really motivates me is that by teaching these little ones, it’s like I’m shaping the future generation for our area,” he says.

“I get positive reports from primary school teachers of the children from this CBCC [about how they’re doing]. When I hear that, I’m happy that I’m doing a good job.”

To learn more about Sightsavers' work in inclusive education visit sightsavers.org