We have spent a few days in the last few weeks at the disabled school in Banepa. This is a childrens development centre for intellectually disabled children. The centre also has a vocational training program for intellectually disabled adults. Around 14 adults partake in this program, they spend their time making candles and paper files. These are sold, with any profit going back to the adults. This is a great facility for them, as it gives them a purpose and a small income.
The school has approximately 23 primary children and 8 secondary children. The school has a number of toddlers who attend, they are not disabled and will attend a normal school when they are older. This mix of children is good for both the toddlers and the intellectually disabled children as they get to mix together.
It has been challenging witnessing life at the centre. The teachers do an awesome job with the limited resources that they have. There are only 2 (sometimes 3) teachers for the primary level. The teacher to child ratio is far to low with the demanding needs of some of the children. This is unfortunate as with greater attention some of the children have a lot of potential. Many of the disabled children have no diagnosis, or a very limited one. Most children are described as being 'mentally retarded', there is no further assessment of their condition. In addition, the teachers have not had any training as to how to care for the special needs children.
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Resources at the school are limited, but we also know that these children are fortunate. They are able to come to the school and do learn slowly over time. However, we have heard stories of disabled children being locked up at home (mainly in more remote areas), as their parents are shamed. Alternatively, they live to remotely to access any specialist centre.
There are plans underway to build a dedicated centre for disabled children and adults to provide better premises, and more room. Land for a centre has been donated by the parents of a disabled child. The centre is proposed to have a school, vocational training centre and hostel for the adults. The site has enough land for a small farm so the adults can learn basic farming skills. It is proposed to cater for 2 primary classes, 2 secondary classes and an 15 bed adult hostel. Fundraising is needed to make these plans a reality.
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Site for new centre
The school has approximately 23 primary children and 8 secondary children. The school has a number of toddlers who attend, they are not disabled and will attend a normal school when they are older. This mix of children is good for both the toddlers and the intellectually disabled children as they get to mix together.
It has been challenging witnessing life at the centre. The teachers do an awesome job with the limited resources that they have. There are only 2 (sometimes 3) teachers for the primary level. The teacher to child ratio is far to low with the demanding needs of some of the children. This is unfortunate as with greater attention some of the children have a lot of potential. Many of the disabled children have no diagnosis, or a very limited one. Most children are described as being 'mentally retarded', there is no further assessment of their condition. In addition, the teachers have not had any training as to how to care for the special needs children.
Lunch at the school
The day is started with a brief yoga session, in which both children and adults participate. During the day basic lessons are conducted with the younger children, with some free time also. Lunch is provided. Once a fortnight a physiotherapist comes to the centre to treat some of the children.
Resources at the school are limited, but we also know that these children are fortunate. They are able to come to the school and do learn slowly over time. However, we have heard stories of disabled children being locked up at home (mainly in more remote areas), as their parents are shamed. Alternatively, they live to remotely to access any specialist centre.
There are plans underway to build a dedicated centre for disabled children and adults to provide better premises, and more room. Land for a centre has been donated by the parents of a disabled child. The centre is proposed to have a school, vocational training centre and hostel for the adults. The site has enough land for a small farm so the adults can learn basic farming skills. It is proposed to cater for 2 primary classes, 2 secondary classes and an 15 bed adult hostel. Fundraising is needed to make these plans a reality.
Site for new centre
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