Fun day encourages unity, respect among children  

Tsakani – The Living Able Foundation and various organisations held the Implication of Integration Fun Day initiative at the Matshidiso LSEN School on March 20.

The event also acknowledged Human Rights Day and advocated for unity and fair treatment for children living with disabilities.

Katlego Mkhonza, the manager and founder of the foundation, said he founded it in 2013 to educate people about disabilities.

“As an individual with a disability, I know what it feels like to be a child and have a disability. I do not want any child with a disability to go through the traumas and challenges persons with disabilities often confront.

“My foundation serves as a voice for the voiceless, especially children. We advocate for young adults and children with disabilities,” said Mkhonza.

Mkhonza said the day was primarily to integrate children with disabilities with those living abled, blending the two worlds while allowing the children to learn about disabilities and connect through playful activities.

“The aim is to make mainstream early childhood development (ECD) children aware that children live with disabilities, make them aware that those children are still the same as them and also able to do the same activities.

“The focus is on uniting the two worlds while emphasising the importance of unity and respect. The games the children played were created to unite them and encourage teamwork, communication and collaboration,” added Mkhonza.

The children played a telephone game, an egg game – balancing an egg until they reached the finish line – and other impactful games.

They received prizes and medals at the end of the games. Foundation board member Lesedi Hlatshwayo said they aim to do these fun days annually at schools in and around Kwatsaduza.

“We would love to see a blend of children at mainstream ECD schools. This should be implemented at the crèche so that it has at least two or three children living with a disability.

“This will make children aware that there are disabled people, reduce stigmas around people with disabilities and end name-calling and shaming.

“Through events and social media campaigns, we aim to continue teaching and preaching about unity and the recognition of people living abled,” he said.

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Matshidiso LSEN School social worker Nomvula Ndlovu said having organisations come to the school with such initiatives is an opportunity.

“This opportunity for us, as a school, is great because we must be seen as a school working with other stakeholders.

“Integration is big for us because many people are unaware of our special school, especially for those who are severely disabled children, including those with intellectual disability.

“Many have bad notions about these individuals and label them as crazy. This programme offered a platform for learning and empowerment. As a school, we are grateful,” she concluded.