The Menagesha Home
For a disabled child in Ethiopia, access to education is almost impossible and rejection by your own family is a very real possibility.
Physical disability is very often perceived as a curse from God and the underlying causes are seldom understood. The stigma this creates means many disabled Ethiopian children face an isolated and uncertain future. Some are hidden out of sight by their ashamed parents and very few will attend school. In addition, the lack of adequate healthcare in Ethiopia means mobility aids are not widely available. Those who are unable to walk unassisted are left to crawl or drag themselves around on the floor.
Disability is not Inability
The Menagesha Home is a rehabilitation centre based on the outskirts of Addis Ababa dedicated to helping children to walk again. Many of the children that visit the home are victims of polio paralysis. Those who survive this disease may experience severe damage to their nervous system causing limbs to become wasted and useless.
The aim is simple – every child will walk home. This is achieved through corrective surgery, intensive courses of physiotherapy and the provision of custom made mobility aids.
In 2006 alone, 250 children underwent corrective surgery and physiotherapy and 4500 were given walking aids – these are made in the home's workshop which also provides vocational training to the disabled. In 2006, Menagesha sponsored 74 youngsters who were previously denied access to education.
The centre does not just aim to mend bodies; it also aims to repair the shattered confidence of every child. More than 60 children are resident in the home at any one time and each one receives tuition, skills development and sports training along side their treatment. Play and recreation are used to rebuild confidence and social skills – as part of this the centre runs a successful horse riding program and arts and crafts activity sessions.
How can you help?
Ethiopiaid is helping children to walk so that they can take the first steps towards a brighter future full of opportunity. Just £60 can buy one child the ability to walk again - please remember that this can only be done with your support.