Breaking the stigma of the diasbled
ZANDSPRUIT - Parents learn more about parenting a disabled child.
The Nomathemba Statutory and Protection Services, a non-governmental organisation in Zandspruit, recently held a workshop for parents with disabled children.
According to the Manager of the organisation, Nomathemba Shava, their main area of focus is to assist vulnerable children in the community. “We deal with children from 0-18 years.”
Shava said they saw the need to hold such an event because they realised parents needed support. “Some of the parents are ill-treating their children, not because they hate them or anything but because they lack knowledge.”
The manager highlighted that some parents didn’t let their children play outside with their peers. “They hide them from the community and by doing that they [are] denying their own children an opportunity to enjoy their childhood,” cautioned the manager.
In attendance were the parents and their disabled children. Guest speakers included Glenny Marubini from the Light Centre for Children with Disabilities, a non-profit organisation in Krugersdorp, which takes care for the disabled children. “Some parents think that because their children are disabled, then they shouldn’t be learning or attending school so we are here to shed some light to the parents.”
It seems the message was strong on advising parents to cope with the challenges faced by children, Mercy Williams who runs a non-profit organisation, the House of Blessings in Pretoria, gave a motivational talk to the parents. “This is just to show them they are not alone, we are here for them to give any sort of support,” explained Williams. She mentioned that other parents were going through a hard time in accepting disabilities of their children. “It can never be easy but having the right support system helps.”
Parents expressed their gratitude towards the organisers of the workshop which was free. “This was a very fruitful meeting, not a waste of time at all,”said one parent and that she was happy that the workshop free of charge. “We are tired of being crooked our money here in the squatter camp.”
