Maria’s son has an intellectual disability. She was told that he would be better off in an institution.
In many countries, disability leads to children being taken away from their families. Parents living in poverty are told their children will be better educated in an institution. Yet, the reality is that these children are often sidelined and ignored receiving little in the way of education.
We also know that loving, individual attention is the best grounding for a child’s development. Research has shown that it helps children’s brains to form neural pathways, improving their ability to learn. Access to education transforms the lives and opportunities of children. It also benefits the whole society.
Now back at home, Maria’s son has started mainstream school. He has learned to write.
“He’s learned lots of things compared to when he was in the institution. He is very happy.”
Maria tells how being reunited with her son has made her family complete.
“…it’s because of people like you, I have my child beside me.”