Like many sub-Saharan countries, there is a negative social stigma surrounding disability in Botswana and this is evident in parents of children with additional needs. At Rankoromane Primary School this results in fear, poor parent and child interactions, a lack of interest in their child’s education and development, and in some cases a reluctance to collect them from school when it closes.

To address this issue, The Trust invited us to deliver a unique two-day workshop. Unlike our previous workshops with them where we focused on equipping teachers, these sessions were designed to engage parents and show them that it’s possible to have fun with their children at home.

The workshop was attended by 30 parents, 40 children and 20 teachers.  We introduced them to 10 core activities, chosen to be fun, inclusive and easy to play at school, home and any community group. Through these games the pupils can be active, something children with complex needs often find difficult. Some of the games also involve additional skill development, such as hand-eye co-ordination. By using and implementing these games at home, parents can positively engage with their children, improving family life and reducing hostility within their communities.