Ajuzuz Akaran, a 15-year-old pupil with a disability in Primary 3 at Pibor Girls Primary School, is thriving in her studies thanks to the inclusive environment created by the school.
She acquired her disability at such a young age that she does not remember how it happened. At the age of five, her mother left her with her grandparents, and for almost 10 years now, Ajuzuz has lived with her condition.
Recently, teachers at the school received training from Light for the World and Window Trust on Continuous Professional Development. This training focused on gender-based violence, disability inclusion awareness, and inclusive communication using appropriate terminology. As a result, Ajuzuz and other pupils with disabilities have seen a significant improvement in their learning experiences.
Ajuzuz expressed her gratitude towards the teachers for ensuring that all pupils, including those with disabilities, have access to information and support in the classroom. She mentioned that in the past, pupils with disabilities faced challenges due to floods, making the journey to school difficult. I am happy that the teachers took proactive steps to accommodate us with disabilities near the school, making it easier for us to attend classes.
This inclusive approach has made a significant difference in Ajuzuz education, as she no longer needs to spend long hours navigating flooded roads to reach school. Long distance and hazardous routes to school account for the high dropout rate of learners in primary schools. Children with disabilities are disproportionately affected with over 60% opting out of school.
Ajuzuz is proud of the progress made in creating an inclusive environment at Pibor Girls Primary School and credits the teachers training for this positive change. She is grateful for the support and accommodation provided to students with disabilities, making their educational journey more accessible and enjoyable.
Light for the World is a technical partner supporting the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, under the ECW-funded Multi-Year Resilience Programme in South Sudan. The programme, led by Save the Children South Sudan, NRC, and FCA extends its support to learners with disabilities even in hard-to-reach areas. The aim is to ensure they are enrolled in school and that classrooms are accessible, helping to eliminate negative attitudes towards people with disabilities in communities.
