Breaking the Stigma: Empowering Special Needs Children in Africa
In many African countries, children with special needs are often stigmatized and excluded from society. In many instances, because of traditional beliefs, misunderstandings, and a lack of educational awareness to children with special needs and disabilities, these precious children are viewed as demonized, cursed, or “strange”. This immediately puts a labeling on these children by society, which can then lead to a lack of access to education, healthcare, social interaction, and other basic needs. Global Development Project Kenya (GDP) and other organizations are working tirelessly to break this stigma and empower special needs children in Africa. In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which these children are being supported and how you can get involved.
Education
One of the most important ways to empower special needs children in Africa is through education. Many children with developmental disabilities are denied access to education due to a lack of resources and understanding. However, there are organizations such as the African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) that work to provide inclusive education for children with special needs. Global Development Project Kenya (GDP) work along with such organizations to help ensure that all children have access to education, support, healthcare, and inclusion, to allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is another crucial aspect of empowering special needs children in Africa. Many children with disabilities require specialized medical care, which can be difficult to access in some African countries. Organizations like the African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) work to improve healthcare systems and provide support for families with special needs children. Global Development Project Kenya (GDP) work ground level to help ensure that all children have access to the healthcare they need to thrive, whether it’s in isolated villages, or urban and inner-city slums.
Community Involvement
In many African communities, there is a lack of understanding and acceptance of children with special needs. This can lead to isolation and exclusion for these children and their families. To break this stigma, it is important to involve the community in supporting and empowering special needs children. Global Development Project Kenya (GDP) work with organizations like the Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation Centre (SNEREC) work to educate communities and promote acceptance and inclusion of children with disabilities.
Vocational Training
As special needs children grow into adults, it is important to provide them with the skills and resources they need to become independent and contribute to society. Vocational training programs, such as those offered by the African Children’s Educational Trust (A-CET), help special needs children develop skills and find employment opportunities. Likewise, Global Development Project Kenya (GDP), work hands-on with different orphanages, and special needs children’s homes to not only help provide these beautiful children with Education, Healthcare, Community Inclusion, but also, the Vocational Training and opportunities needed to live and enjoy a life beyond the homes. This is our goal, and this is our mission here at GDP.
Breaking the Stigma
One of the biggest challenges Global Development Project Kenya (GDP) face in empowering special needs children in Africa, is breaking the stigma surrounding disabilities. This can only be achieved through education and awareness. This is an on-going effort and uphill climb, but it’s worth it! And we’re dedicated to this cause.
There are many ways in which you can support and empower special needs children in Africa. By getting involved with organizations and initiatives like Global Development Project Kenya (GDP) that focus on education, healthcare, community involvement, vocational training, and breaking the stigma, we can help create a brighter future for these children.
Bold Steps!
Beginning now, Global Development Project Kenya GDP will be taking some very bold steps! We’ll be going, on-site, hands on, into the places where living conditions and life has become desperate, and help is needed the most, beginning in the slum areas of Nairobi! We will begin the groundwork of restoring and rebuilding a home for Special Needs Children and Orphans, in an area called Kawangware, one of Nairobi’s largest slums. GDP will be building a therapy center, dorms for the children to have a safe and comfortable place to live, and classrooms. GDP will also be providing therapy equipment, means of transportation for the children, additional wheelchairs and furnishings for the therapy center, furnishings and supplies for the classrooms, beds, and furnishings for the dorms, and more.
Getting Involved
We need your help to initiate and sustain this incredible work of building a center for these Special Needs Children and Orphans. We’re on a mission to build this center and we need your help. We require $9000 USD to complete this incredible project. Please join us in making an incredible difference in the lives of these precious children, and let’s remove the stigma while empowering these children’s lives!
Find out how you can help us here at GDP to “Extend Love and Hope Across the Borders”!
