Children with Physical Challenges Need Education Too

Its very disheartening to note that in most societies, children with physical challenges are among the most stigmatized and marginalized of all vulnerable groups. Such children are sidelined so much that they fail to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills as compared to other children.

For instance, in schools they lack support from teachers who perceive them as incapable and not worth teaching. This makes it difficult for them to cope and perform better in class. The end result of such tribulations is usually withdrawal from school.

On the same note, some academic institutions do not have user friendly materials or equipment for the physically challenged. This also becomes a challenged and a stumbling block to children with physical challenges to acquire some education.

According to the results of a survey that was conducted in 51 countries by UNICEF, only 51% of boys with physical challenges complete their primary school education while 61% of boys with no physical challenges complete their primary school education. A similar survey that was conducted by the World Health Organization (W.H.O) found that 42% of girls with physical challenges complete primary school as compared to 53% of girls who do not have physical challenges.

In Malawi for example, a child with some physical challenges is twice unlikely to attended school than a child who does not have a physical challenge.

Sadly still, studies have shown that the most affected are physically challenged children who are from poor families.

 Let Us All Remember that Disability is Not Inability