In some communities, having a child with disabilities can be viewed as a divine punishment. Concealing these children at home, leaving them unattended without food or water while the mother collects firewood, or denying them access to education, is not an uncommon practice.

JRS teams in Maban provide rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions for children with mobility and intellectual impairments. They also offer psychoeducational sessions, counselling, and awareness-raising activities that have a significant impact on the wellbeing of the child, the caregiver, and the family.

Azake, 12 years old, from South Sudan

“Azake used to spend all day at home lying down,” says his father. Originally from Sudan, Azake’s family found refuge in Maban, South Sudan in 2011, just before he was born. Their suspicions about Azake’s condition arose early, partly due to his premature birth during the stressful journey.

As Azake grew, it became evident that he could not walk like his siblings, eventually leading to the realisation that he never would.

In 2020, JRS teams on the ground became aware of their situation and provided Azake with a wheelchair. “He can now attend school, supported by one of his brothers,” his mother explained.

Manali Musa, 13 years old, from Sudan

The difficulties in walking for Manali Musa emerged when she was a child. Her mother first noticed them early in her development.

After leaving their home in Sudan, Manali Musa and her mother met JRS in Maban, which, through physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, enabled Manali Musa to walk and be independent, with some support for longer distances.

Tailored physiotherapy services for refugee children with disabilities

The rehabilitation centre for children run by JRS in Maban refugee camp is a safe space where caregivers are not only trained in how to support their children through massage and the use of mobility devices. They also learn how to create inclusive environments at home to enable their children to participate in daily life, and what the child’s rights are despite their disability.

The improvement of children’s conditions and community awareness activities have radically changed the lives of the children and their families, as they now have the same aspirations for their children as the other children: education, completion of studies, and securing a job for a better future.

*this article was originally published by JRS Eastern Africa