Final Recipients

The Multifunctional Disability Centre will extend its action in an area which includes 25 communities that are part of Have traditional Council, whose total population is approximately 3.500 inhabitants.

The final recipients of the project will mainly be children with disabilities and their families, but the research and awareness-raising work will concern the communities as a whole and the authorities of the villages and the District.

In particular, 105 disabled children not attending the school are distributed in the area, of whom 42 live very far away from where the Centre will stand (around 5 km), therefore we have planned to buy a second-hand minivan to take them to the Centre and back home.

Sustainability of the minivan: the van shall work as public transport after bringing the disabled children to school in order to gain funds for maintenance and fuel.

1. Research and Awareness

“Beyond the Handicap: from Disabled to Differently Able”

The project includes a preliminary study (already underway) in the chosen area with competent local staff to classify the type of handicap and the degree of integration of each subject in the family and community context. During the research, contacts will be established with the communities through awareness-raising meetings in order to produce a change in the perception of disability and handicap within the families and the communities themselves.

For each individual case of disability, specific activities will be studied to be carried out together with peers, family and community.

The link with the communities will be maintained through periodic meetings to raise awareness and monitor the results.

2. Educational/Recreational Activities

Educational and recreational activities at the base of the children’s path will be carried out in groups to enhance collaboration and mutual support. The activities will offer opportunities for:

• improve the functional and educational activities of disabled children
• create communication and socialization opportunities
• improve relationships between children with disabilities, family members and the community
• break the barriers due to stereotyped attitudes
• increase awareness of disability and the potential of disabled people at various levels, family, social, school, community

3. Activities with the Minors

• Daily school activities and literacy
• Daily expressive activities: music and development of artistic skills. Part of these activities are related to the cultural and ritual life of the area
• Organization of supplementary recreational activities based on the interests, passions and attitudes of the children

4. Networking Activities

Networking activities will be carried on both on the formal network (schools and local teachers) and informal (family and community level) in order to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive education, share some operational tools and finalize interventions in favor of disabled people.

The association will on the one hand keep contacts with the families of assisted children in order to involve and empower them in the support process, on the other to involve children with their families in the numerous initiatives organized by Awia Inclusive Community Project, such as parties and events, also related to the ritual life of the community.

5. Child Sponsorship

We set up child sponsorship programs for less privileged and disabled minors to provide for their needs and the purchase of disability aids

6. Building of Spaces

Available space:

140 by 200 square meters of land are available to accommodate the building structures.

Spaces to build:

• At least 7 classrooms with disability-friendly facilities are needed to provide adequate learning spaces (14 in each classroom)
• Dormitories and toilets are needed for the accommodation of disabled children who cannot move back and forth daily.

Currently, only 3 of the 105 disabled children distributed in the area attend school every day; we expect to have the Centre ready by the end of 2024.

Total cost of the project