We are working in Malawi to reduce the stigma around disability and ensure children with disabilities are protected and included in their communities.
Juma was diagnosed with cerebral palsy which is a physical disability that can affect movement and posture, and it also means that communication can sometimes be a challenge for him. Without the correct support, Juma was in danger of falling behind.
Enrolment of children with disabilities into schools in Malawi is very low, with a lack of information and support for parents and communities. Due to this, most children who start school, drop out due to the discrimination they face.
We are trying to change this.
We have enrolled 406 young children with disabilities into early childhood education.
We have engaged with 519 parents of children with disabilities through parent support groups.
We have trained 180 pre-school teachers in disability-inclusive teaching methods.
Children with disabilities are often excluded from Early Childhood Education, an exclusion which can lead to inequalities that persist through their lifetime. As part a three-year project in Malawi, we are supporting a disability inclusive play program alongside Network Member FEDOMA, which was implemented across multiple Early Childhood Centers.
This scheme was developed based on learnings and evidence generated by fellow Network Member ANDY in Kenya and incorporates elements of play alongside more traditional teaching methods to develop skills. The scheme provided an invaluable opportunity for children with disabilities to build their confidence, while creating an entry point for their integration into primary education. Alongside the scheme, we also co-developed an inclusive play guide with Malawian education officials and delivered training for teachers on how to implement the scheme in their centers
Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) are an umbrella organization of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in Malawi working to provide a unified voice for all people with disabilities. FEDOMA is respected and consulted by both the Malawi government and other NGOs on issues relating to disability.
Parents for Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM) works to represent and support the interests of children with disabilities at all levels of social, economic, political and cultural activities.
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