Disabled children no longer in a class of their own

Vietnamese children with disabilities are now confidently involved in physical and social activities

21 January 2008: Vietnamese children with disabilities are succeeding at school against the odds with help from their friends and Plan.

Just over a year ago, 10 year-old Lam began to notice that the world around him was becoming darker.

Frightened and unsure of what was happening, Lam told his parents that he no longer wanted to go to school. Eventually his parents realised that he was losing his sight and they too thought it best that he did not return to school.

Lam’s teacher, however, had received special training as part of Plan’s Integrating Children with Disabilities project in Tu Liem, an outer district of Hanoi. He persuaded Lam and his parents to allow him to continue his schooling.

Project benefits hundreds

In addition to teacher training the project has established over 343 peer groups in schools and communities to integrate children with disabilities and promote their rights.

The project not only improves the lives of children with disabilities but also encourages positive attitudes and behaviour amongst parents, teachers and friends.

Lam is one of 384 children with disabilities in Tu Liem, who have benefited from the project.

A little help from friends

A peer group was established consisting of 3 children to help Lam with his everyday activities.

Each day the children would take turns walking Lam to school. Minh Tu helped Lam to take notes in class, Tuan supported Lam in Maths and Anh Tu read stories out loud for Lam.

The process was not always easy for the children but, step by step, they grew to understand each other.

Learn more about Plan's position on education.