Monday, March 28, 2011

Special Needs...Beginning Stage

In just two weeks in Rwanda I have been able to meet with many people and have gathered much informatoin about educating children with special needs. I have met with parents, teachers, students, pricipals, professors, governors and associations...

As a result I have concluded that there is a start of special education in Rwanda but it is at teh very beginning stages.

There is no nationwide sign language for the deaf; out of the 66 thousand blind people, only 30 are taught a 6 month vocational training program at a time; there are no docotrs to help children with the medical conditions that come with down syndrome and autism; there is one short course at one of the universities on special education/counseling (and it is just blind and deaf); there are no adaptations for children that are dyslexic or struggle with reading and math...MY HEART IS RACING! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!

Some sort of national frame work needs to be established, but where do you start??

During my converstaion with the big private school in Rwanda they asked me if I would be willing to help adapt the curriculum for children with special needs, train teachers how to teach students with different learning styles and bring awarness to parents...wow what an opportunity!

In order for a national frame work to happen it needs to start somewhere and what better place than the big private school in Rwanda!

The dream to educate all the children with special needs in Africa has a chance!!

4 comments:

  1. You never cease to amaze me :) What a dream you have and I love reading about the work and plans you have! Be encouraged!

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  2. All the experiences in your life, personally, academic and all your jobs you have done all have given you the passion, ability and knowledge to make this work - Glad to see how God is working in your life :) Love you! Hug you soon!

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  3. You are the right person for the job Maddy. You can do some great things in that country, and help a lot of people.

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  4. Maddy I am so EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!! what an amazing opportunity. Its crazy just how perfect God prepares us for where he plans to place us. Miss you girl!

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