Communication with the children

Hello! 

My name is Suzanne, I´m 22 years old and study at Molde University College. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in NOREC´s exchange program to Tanzania. During my stay there I had the pleasure to work with children with various disabilities at Uhuru Primary School in Dar es Salaam. At our stay there we focused on CRPD and CRC.

During our exchange I spent a lot of time with a class called deafblind, where there were children who were blind, deaf or both. This could at times be challenging since the communication was very limited.

For the children who are blind, it was important to use alternative communication methods such as speech, touch and the use of tactile materials. It was also important to describe visual elements and give clear verbal instructions. Because of the language barrier we had to have help from the teachers to translate what we wanted to convey. We also needed help with de sign language from the teachers. I could see that the teachers were providing special care for the children by taking care of their needs. In the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child it is written that "A mentally or physically disabled child has the right to enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child´s active participation in the community". When the teachers see the children's needs and help them to communicate with others, it can lead to the children feeling seen, heard and looked after.

For the children who are deaf, sign language was a very important form of communication. Since we are not proficient in sign language we had to try our best, we also got help from the teachers to communicate. I also learned more about how important it is to pay attention to body language, facial expressions and gestures in order to understand the children clearly. For the children who is visually impaired and has hearing loss, it was necessary to combine sign language, the use of tactile communication and visual information.

Regardless form of communication that are used, it is important to be respectful, patient and open to adapting to the individual´s needs. It can also be useful to learn more about different communications methods, and learn from the people you are with. All in all, through our exchange I have learned and grown a lot as a person and professional practitioner. I will always be thankful for this opportunity.