Reflections of the Day of the African Child . . . 

The International Day of the African Child, observed annually on June 16th, focuses on the barriers that African children face in receiving a quality education. This year’s theme is 30 years after the Charter’s adoption: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children (National Today). However, there is still much work to be done because, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of the world’s 93 million disabled children were not in school (UNICEF).

An Africa fit for children is one in which children are fed, have free play, are safe, and have a chance at a better future through education. Today, we wonder when and how Africa will be ready for children in this context, and what role each of us will play.

At inABLE, we believe that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Joy Atieno, a 10-year-old grade one student with low vision at St. Oda Primary School for the Blind, sees education as a lifeline. She has faced stigma as an autistic youth with albinism since birth, which has contributed significantly to her delayed education. Her autism-related speech impairment limits her ability to communicate with others. Nonetheless, she persists.

Joy has proven many people wrong despite her disability. She is the brightest student in her class, and her numeracy skills are above grade level. She was introduced to basic computer skills nine months ago through the inABLE’s assistive Tech Labs, and she is now capable of typing and browsing the internet, which most of her peers are not. She has also greatly improved her reading and writing abilities since beginning computer classes.

“Joy is proof that disability is not inability,” says her computer instructor, Getrude Isalamba. “She is clearly interested in ICT and STEM fields, and with continued training, she will be a role model for many other young blind and visually impaired learners who believe it is nearly impossible to master computer skills.”

Getrude is contributing to the realization of an Africa fit for children by assisting special needs students like Joy in shaping their career interests in ICT toward an independent future.

Guest Blog by Getrude Isalamba , inABLE Instructor, St. Oda School for the Blind. Edited by Esther Njeri Mwangi, Public Relations Officer, inABLE.