Given the chance and a little support... a disabled child is capable of many thingsPlan’s aim is to help all children realise their full potential. Children with disabilities are often the most neglected of all in a community. Little is expected of them and, too often, they are left on the sidelines without encouragement or support. With a little help, these children can achieve real successes and, in doing so, access their right to development.
Fourteen-year-old Iman was born in one of the slum areas of Alexandria, Egypt. Her father is retired and her mother a housewife. Iman has Down’s Syndrome but for years her parents did not realise the diagnosis and she was miserable and lonely much of the time.
When Iman’s mother learned about Plan and its support of the El WAFAA Community Centre for disabled children, she finally knew where to turn for help. When she enrolled at the Centre, Iman’s journey to success began.
At first, Iman could not talk, let alone socialise with her classmates. Eighteen months later, after regular communications sessions and a whole range other help and encouragement, the change is marked.
Today, Iman can dress herself, eat and drink without help, read, write a few words and is solving mathematics problems learned in class. At gatherings and celebrations, she joins her friends performing on stage.
Iman also loves jogging and has won gold medals in a competition for disabled children from across Egypt. Her parents are really proud of their daughter and how far she has come. Her medals and other successes are shared with neighbours and friends.
Iman’s determination, with a little support from Plan, has truly helped her reach her potential. For us in Plan, we are amazed how a little help has changed one child so completely.
Children who are deemed ‘different’ are marginalised by every community, wherever they happen to live the world over. In those communities where we work, Plan insists that all children, regardless of race, ability, gender and creed, are given equal chances to develop. We work with communities to increase awareness of their needs, rights and potential. We encourage their inclusion in all activities, from education and play to decision-making. Ultimately, given the chance, it is the children themselves who prove their worth as vital and equal members of their communities.
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