‘Differently-abled children need care, love’

By NATION REPORTER

DA GAMA School for the physically handicapped in Luanshya says children with special needs should be embraced as they have full potential to contribute to national development.

School head-teacher Sister Christine Chupi said children with special needs should also enjoy the full fundamental human rights which able-bodied children were enjoying for them to feel part of the developmental process.

Sister Chupi said in an interview that disability has no boundary because everyone was prone to disability, hence it was important for society to show care and love for the children living with different forms of disabilities.

If equal care and love was expressed, she said, the differently-abled children would get inspired and maNe significant contribution to national development.

Sister Chupi said parents or guardians who have children with special needs should let them freely interact with ablebodied children in their respective communities for them to fully feel part of society.

Sister Chupi said children living with disabilities should not be viewed as second class citizens as they could also make positive changes in life.

She said her institution would continue to provide care for the children living with disabilities through rehabilitation, education and eventually integrate them into society so they make a positive impact.

Sister Chupi urged school going children living with disabilities ranging from Grade one to 12 never to give up in life because they were also created to achieve greater prospects in life.

"I am very proud because many of the former pupils at our school are highly educated and are contributing immensely to the growth of the nation at different levels. This is because they were determined to prosper as they did not see their disability as a hindrance to progress," Sister Chupi said.