adminCHILDREN with disabilities deserve love and special care because, just like their counterparts who are able-bodied, they are also human beings.
Discrimination against them is both wicked and unacceptable.
Kids should always be treated as gifts from God.
Some parents/guardians have developed a habit of hiding these kids with disabilities, which is wrong.
Others treat them as a curse.
In extreme cases, we have seen some of them being called all sorts of names.
This kind of treatment is totally unacceptable since it lowers their self-esteem.
With support, genuine love and care, kids with disabilities can also perform wonders and shine like everyone else.
Hiding them has also deprived kids with disabilities access to help from well-wishers.
At the weekend we came across a Stoneridge woman, who formed a foundation to look after children with disabilities.
The home accommodates 30 children with different physical challenges.
From her experiences, as a parent looking after disabled children, Rachel Ziki, who formed Kudakwashe Children’s Home, said she was ready to change the disabled kids’ lives.
The woman, who lost her husband in 2013, said working with children with disabilities inspired her to form the foundation.
However, she blasted parents hiding kids in most homes. She also appealed to well-wishers to spare a thought for children with disabilities in most homes.
This has led to some of them failing to access education.
As a nation, we should also develop a culture of love and care for each other, especially children living with disabilities.
Wicked people, who mock children with disabilities, should be whipped into line and be reminded that we are all equal.
In extreme cases, where people mock kids with disabilities, they should be prosecuted and punished.
A strong message should be sent out there to ensure that we protect the rights of children with disabilities.
Parents/guardians who hide disabled kids and deprive them of new opportunities, should be arrested.
A sane parent should never be shy to move around with their child no matter their physical condition.
There is also a need for a change of mind-set by parents raising kids with disabilities. The first step needed by people raising kids with disabilities is mental strength, self-belief and moral support from the community.
Kids at kindergarten should also be taught to embrace other disabled children. By doing so, we will be able to raise new generations of responsible kids.
School teachers should also play their part by integrating children with disabilities with their able-bodied colleagues. Segregating them will always have negative effects.
Psychologically, kids with disabilities need all the moral and material support to ensure they realise their potential. They also need to be involved in activities being done by the able-bodied people like arts and sporting activities.
Blending them is the way to go to ensure that we give them a life and a bright future.
All in all, children with disabilities deserve love and care.
After all, every kid is a gift from God.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter