For a child living with a disability in Ethiopia, access to education is almost impossible. Physical disability is often considered a curse and as a result, rejection by family and society is common. In addition, the lack of adequate healthcare in Ethiopia means mobility aids are not widely available. Those who are unable to walk unassisted must be carried, or crawl to achieve mobility.

In 2013, Ethiopiaid Canada will begin working with Cheshire Services to provide 150 children with mobility aids, assist with community reintegration, and create a more accessible environment. The causes of the children’s disabilities vary: many have suffered from polio, others have lost one or more limbs in land mine explosions and some have been involved in work or traffic accidents. But there is hope of a brighter future for all of them.

Community Rehabilitation

We will support Cheshire to provide home-based care to children with disabilities. This is achieved through the provision of walking aids as well as rehabilitation activities such as physiotherapy. In this way, children are able to receive comprehensive treatment, close to their families and in a familiar environment. We will also construct structures such as ramps and accessible toilets in the children’s community, which will allow children to attend school and public events more easily.

Micro Finance

The livelihood support scheme provides funds to the families of children with disabilities – usually the mother - to help them develop their own micro-businesses. By generating income, the family can better support the child’s ongoing needs.

Education

An inclusive kindergarten will incorporate a class of 30 children, out of which 10 have physical disabilities. These children are provided with extra educational support and are educated alongside their peers. Older students who have spent years out of school due to their disability are also offered customized educational support so that they can keep up with others in their age group.

Working with students, parents, and teachers from local schools, Cheshire aims to educate Ethiopians about the real causes of disability and how to help disabled people to achieve their full potential. Only when the social stigma of disability is removed, will children have the carefree childhood they deserve.

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