When 14-year-old Su Su Htay won an award for completing primary school, her mother was overcome with emotion. “This is the first time I saw my daughter receive an award in a big event, and I was honoured,” said Cho Mi Lay, tears welling up in her eyes. “It’s not an outstanding effort for many, but for me it was a huge success to see my daughter standing on stage in such a proud manner.”
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| Su Su Htay and her mother Cho Mi Lay at their school in Thaton, Mon State. ©UNICEF Myanmar/2018/Thet Naing |
Cho Mi Lay explained her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after birth. Su Su Htay’s movement became so uncoordinated as a result of the disorder that she only managed to walk at the age of 12. Cho Mi Lay is the head teacher at the school her daughter attended, Lay Thar Thein Seik primary school in Thaton township, in Mon State. She explained that Su Su Htay had attended classes in a wheelchair and had had a toilet adapted with a special seat. “She learnt to write with her feet and followed lessons together with other able-bodied children.” Su Su Htay, who is as determined to continue with her education said, “My ambition is to become a dress designer.”
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Su Su Htay writes on her notebook at her school in Mon
State.
©UNICEF Myanmar/2018/Thet Naing
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Cho Mi Lay pointed out that there is a need to do more for children with disabilities in Thaton Township. She appreciated a recent awareness raising event that was held in Thaton Township, one of a series of events that have been organized in collaboration with UNICEF through the support from H&M Foundation across five states of Myanmar to raise awareness about inclusive education – ensuring all children, including those with disabilities, have access to education. It was during one of the events that Su Su Htay received her award where 300 people, including teachers, health professionals, village administrators, school committee, parents and students were in attendance.
“Educating teachers, students and communities about children with disabilities is crucial. This helps motivate parents to send children with disabilities to school, and addresses concerns teachers and students might have.” However, Cho Mi Lay added, “awareness raising alone will not work and we need to think of more support to schools.”
Cho Mi Lay also conceded that being the head of the school had made it easier for her daughter. “I could help Su Su Htay learn in my school.” She added, “Now, I am worried about sending my daughter to secondary school where there is no toilet with a seat, and no one to help her feed and clean.”
Phyo Ei Ei San, the head teacher of a nearby school in Pan Tein Post Primary School, said they plan to form a school committee to support children with disabilities. The committee members will identify children with disabilities in the community and support them to attend school. “For facilities like a chair toilet and a walkway, we will explore ways for funding these.”
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Su Su Htay (middle) getting her award at her school in Mon State.
©UNICEF Myanmar/2018/Thet Naing
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The idea of forming a committee for children with disabilities was also supported by U Aung San, the Deputy Education Officer of Thaton township. “No school yet in our township has latrines or facilities equipped for children with disabilities; and neither have teachers been trained to assist children with special needs, but at least, now we all understand what equity means, and what we should do. So, let’s go step by step. I believe attitudes matters most, and if there is a will, there is a way.
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