Submitted by Patrick Omondi on Thu, 2013-12-05 11:40
- STORIES FROM MAAI MAHIU, KENYA -
At a glance, the sight may seem like it is violation of child rights by subjecting the children to child labor. But that happily is not the case . This happens to be one of the subjects, namely Activities of Daily Living (ADL), that learners or persons with special needs are taught with the main aim of empowering them to be self reliant and independent in life. These are generally self-care activities. Health professionals routinely refer to one’s ability or inability to perform ADLs as a measurement of the functional status of a person, particularly in regards to people with challenges and the elderly. Simply put, ADLs are things we normally or regularly do such as oral hygiene, bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, work and even feeding.
It starts with teaching the kids about the importance of ADLs as the essential things that ensure well-being and health. Then they are to at least “teach” or remind me (SNE Teacher) on what they know about ADLs. They actively participate and I am always pleased with their level of interest and enthusiasm to show me how well they can recall things. Then we get to work; we bring out the artillery: basins and soap. Today the mission is Operation Laundry. Mike, who has a hemiplegic condition, has to settle for cleaning the floors as he can operate well with one hand, but he is still a big part of the task force.
Doing laundry by hand is not an easy task but it is necessary for us to get our clothes clean and if it were up to me, I would gladly get washing machines for these kids (me included, hehe) so as to easen life, but you know as they say, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. And as the teacher, I had to be a leader by example and a role model so I had to get a piece of the action. And I had to be judicious with the liquid soap as they can be extravagant with it…but I am no Cruella, just to be clear.
The little guys too had a point to prove to me, they asked to join in. They got their own basin, filled it with water and joined in. They brought in their own aspect to the Operation Laundry mission, FUN. They would laugh at any given opportunity and would drench themselves in water but they were determined to earn their stripes. We happened to get onlookers, Jeremiah and Charles, who were impressed with our mission and next time they better be ready to join the task force!
But of course, I am of the notion “All work and no play, makes Tom a dull boy”. So I challenged the busiest bee in the hive to a laundry competition and the outcome was good for my sake, I won because we had no clearly set out rules, and I can’t help it...I am competitive, yikes. Check out the video, she almost beat me!
Oh my, which reminds me, I have to do my laundry but this time I will be on my own. Kwaherini.
Blog by: Patrick Omondi, CTC' s Special Needs Education Teacher
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