Breaking down barriers for children with disabilities; Zimbabwe’s disability friendly schools
This project's parent organization is S4S Zimbabwe
It operates in Zimbabwe
It uses Adapted sports, Multiple sports, Indigenous games
Entered the Best New Project
More about Breaking down barriers for children with disabilities; Zimbabwe’s disability friendly schools
When children with disabilities in Zimbabwe are able to access education they are often placed in a special class within a mainstream school. Regularly these special classes can be found on the side of the main building and there is limited interaction between able-bodied and disabled pupils. Teachers, children and parents have reported bullying and name-calling to be a problem when a child with disability attends school. Society does not understand and accept disability, which results in negative attitudes.
Teachers and administration staff do not always know how to react or how to include children with disabilities in mainstream activities. Therefore, children in special classes do not engage in school activities that are accessible to the able-bodied pupils, leaving them excluded and feeling different. One of these activities from which they are often excluded is physical education.
Teachers do not have the skills or the equipment to organise physical activities for children with disabilities. Whereas inclusive physical activity, combined with school based disability awareness campaigns, reduce bullying and stigma and contribute to inclusion of disabled children in the schools.