While Heroes School focuses on educating and supporting children with disabilities, it also recognizes the vital role that parents play in their child’s success. This is why the teachers and therapists at Heroes try to involve parents as much as possible in their schooling and therapy. Parents are expected to work with their child at home on school work, and follow through with therapy exercises at home.
Heroes also provides a place where parents can connect and support each other. Parents often volunteer at the school, help with the lunch program, and help out with fundraising efforts such as making crafts together. During this time, they are able to share in their child’s success and challenges. They also find a sense of belonging and understanding, as having a child with a disability has many physical, emotional, and cultural challenges.
Gildas’ mother, Annonciata, recently shared her reflections on her experience of having a child with a disability. Gildas was one of the first students at Heroes School, and Annonicata is one of the founders of the school.
Tell us a little bit about Gildas
Gildas is our third born son. He is a very polite and social boy with a good sense of humor. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after being born prematurely at 8 months. Initially, he had jaundice, and after some time, we noticed that he presented with some delayed milestones like gross motor skills (head and neck control, sitting, crawling, rolling, standing and walking) and fine motor skills (grasping, pinching, release). As he developed, we noticed that he also had difficulties with verbal communication. Despite all of his physical difficulties, it was clear early on that his intelligence was not affected, and he was able perform very well at school. In many ways he is just like other children as he loves going to school and to church. He recently had his first Communion which was a very special day for all of us.
How did you feel when you noticed that Gildas was presenting with some delays in his development?
As parents, it was not easy to understand what was going on, but we always respected the advice from doctors, therapists and other caregivers. We decided early on to fight together with Gildas. This fight continues every day, and it is not easy, but he inspires us to continue and wish for the best. We truly feel that he is a Hero.
How is Gildas doing now?
Gildas is now 9 years old. After completing several years at Heroes School, he has been admitted to a mainstream school and is in Primary one. He is very clever at school. He inspires us to continuously advocate for children like him, who despite their physical disabilities, deserve the best opportunity to improve their abilities.
What is your hope for Gildas’ future? Our wish, is to see Gildas pass through the education system like other children. We want him to be fully included in Rwandan society. If it is possible, we would love for him to go to University and become a Doctor, because we know that he is capable.
What challenges do you see for the future for Gildas and other children with disabilities?
Children with disabilities still face many challenges. These include the attitudes and perceptions that people have toward children with disabilities. There are also still many environmental challenges that hinder total participation.
How do you think these challenges can be addressed?
We are very thankful for our government in helping to create an inclusive environment for our children. However, we still have a long way to go. It is very important moving forward that persons with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities are involved in planning for the future. We want to work together with the government toward a future where Rwanda is an inclusive country for all! With continued support in the future, I hope that Gildas’ and all children with disabilities will have the chance to see their dreams come true!
Heroes Rwanda 
One thought on “A Parent’s Perspective”