Body decries abuse of children with intellectual disabilities
Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) has bemoaned the conduct of some parents of children with intellectual disabilities of violating their rights to access education.
The association’s vice-secretary Ireen Luka made the appeal last weekend in Blantyre at the commemoration of the sixth annual Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day which Special Olympics Malawi (SOM) organised.
She said: “I urge parents and guardians of children with intellectual disabilities to send them to school instead of keeping them indoors. They can be productive just like anybody else as long as they are given equal opportunities.”
Luka said it is cruel for parents and guardians to keep the children indoors while their colleagues attend school.
SOM national sports director Doris Suwedi commended the role Shriver plays in changing people’s mindsets towards individuals with intellectual disabilities.
She said Shriver demonstrated an unrelenting and indomitable spirit to make a difference and change the world.
The day was commemorated in partnership with AAM and Chirimba CCAP Church. It was held under the theme Let Us Change the Game.
