Thriving and making a difference

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Aimy Gabriel, Senior Child Protection and GESI Programme Adviser at World Vision UK, shares about her recent visit to a disability forum in Malawi.

“I love football,” exclaimed the four teenagers in front of me. I'd asked them about their hobbies during a conversation at the Disability Inclusion Learning Forum, hosted by World Vision.

Anthony, Chimwemwe, Chisomo and Takondwa were among the children and young people representing their peers at the event. They have been previously identified as children with disabilities who've been participating in an education programme by World Vision Malawi.    

The reality is that many people, even in our own line of work, still do not recognise that full participation of children in all their diversity is a RIGHT set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and in the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Despite the work that's been done over the years to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, children with disabilities continue to face discrimination and suffer profound inequalities compared to children without disabilities.

In a world where nearly 240 million children have disabilities, the majority remain on the sidelines and are seen as mere recipients of care and protection, rather than as individuals with agency to meaningfully participate and influence decisions. 

I was encouraged to see a different picture in my recent visit to Malawi, where children with disabilities are advocating for their own rights with the support of their families and communities. Fresh from a gathering with their peers, the young people eloquently delivered their call to action before parents, government officials and representatives of various organisations. In their statement, they made a number of requests. 

• Accessibility: we aspire to live a country with a barrier-free environment to ensure that all children with disabilities can move freely and independently.
• Education: we desire for inclusive and quality education in schools, also accessible and enabling us to learn and succeed along with our peers.
• Healthcare: we aspire to have access to improved healthcare services that are sensitive to the needs of children with disabilities to address our different needs.
• Non-discrimination: we aspire to live in a country where we do not face discrimination and exercise equal opportunities, respect, and dignity for all children, regardless of their abilities.
• Protection: we aspire for protection from all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation, to ensure safety in schools, homes, and society.
• NGO involvement: we aspire to have the involvement of non-governmental organisations in all affairs of children with disabilities.

But they didn’t stop there. They also affirmed their responsibilities and commitments to achieve their aspirations.  

• We pledge to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of children with disabilities.
• We commit to pursuing our education with dedication and striving for excellence in our studies.
• We will empower ourselves and our peers by building confidence and self-esteem to overcome challenges, achieve our goals and make a positive impact everywhere.
• We will promote inclusivity and diversity in our communities, where there is understanding and acceptance for all children.

Trained in photojournalism, the young people presented a collection of images that they themselves captured, showing everyday life of children in the community. They depicted the right to education, play, belonging, and other themes that all children value, regardless of their ability, sex, ethnicity, and other social characteristics. 

As we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let's celebrate the progress being made in the rights of children living with disabilities. Their rights to a safe and happy childhood where they are loved and valued in their home and in their community, equal among their peers, and with countless possibilities for a good future.