Children with disabilities: VIDEO ANALYSIS
 

In this section I will be selecting a video which I believe is significant in changing the lives of children in Tanzania.
I will be briefly looking at the organisation which is aiming to intensely support disabled children and their families; for better lifestyles, equal rights and inclusive opportunities in society and governmental policies. I will also outline significant ideas and messages portrayed throughout the video, analysing and considering specific viewpoints. 





















 

I have chosen to focus on the video above, titled ‘Children with disabilities: UNICEF Tanzania's response’ which was published by UNICEF Tanzania who are ‘the world's leading organisation for children in over 190 countries.’ (UNICEF, 2014). It is a non-profitable organisation which supports the rights and livelihood of children and their families around the world. Helping to change government policies and practices, UNICEF relies on voluntary contributions to fund for projects and developments. 
 

This video provides a succinct insight into the function of UNICEF Tanzania and the work they conduct in promoting the rights of children with disability in the country, with hopes of improving their lives. Primarily, it must be acknowledged that currently Tanzania is a developing country, providing refining resources, entitlements and education for its children. However, research and evidence from this video demonstrates that there is insufficient support for disabled children and their families. Consequently, though there are laws to protect their human rights, not enough recognition and support is given to assist them.
 

A spokesman for UNICEF has recognised that there is a crucial gap in regards to data, knowledge and understanding of the circumstances that disabled children are challenged with. It is identified that there are limitations in different areas i.e. mobility and learning, with children unable to participate in activities or society if they do not have suitable facilities. He states that “these points were embarked upon in comprehensive situation analysis of children with disabilities in Tanzania which will among other things do a comprehensive mapping of services available, catering to the needs of disabled children but also try to understand the societal constraints which they may face”. (Children with disabilities, 2014).
 

In addition to this, it is evident in this video that UNICEF as an organisation has attempted to raise concerns and awareness to government, education committees and senior political figures on special needs; seeking ways in which this can be tackled amongst society. Also another member from UNICEF Tanzania, Mr Noel Ihebuzor (2012) has explained how imperative it is for special needs programmes to address the needs of children without treating them like ordinary children or ‘as if they do not exist’ (Children with disabilities, 2012). Furthermore, these programmes are to provide teacher training and re-designing of the schools’ infrastructure; making facilities accessible with fair opportunities and standards for children with disabilities. 
 

Moreover, UNICEF work alongside different NGO’s such as UNESCO. According to a Member of the Special Education Unit, GoT, Mr Benjamin Kulwa, has stated that ‘UNICEF has ‘already conducted some training for learners with disabilities on life skills’ (Children with disabilities, 2012). By doing this, it is apparent that UNICEF has shown great concern and is trying their level best to support children and families with disabilities. 
 

Additionally, one particular vulnerable group which is receiving support from UNICEF is children with albinism. ‘Tanzania is estimated to have one of the largest populations of children with albinism in the world’ (Asa Olsson, UNICEF Tanzania, 2012). This is a ‘rare condition and is an inherited defect, which results in little or no pigment in hair, eyes, or skin. It also causes significant visual problems’. (Marshall Cavendish Corporations, 2008:29). Many die from preventable diseases as they are denied access to services and many are killed and maimed by those who sell their body parts to individuals practising witchcraft. Through analysing the video, with support and partnership with NGOs such as ‘Under the Sun’ and the Ministry of Education, there has been a setup of emergency systems; refugees and residential schools to protect children with albinism. It is support from associations like UNICEF which make it possible to help innocent young children and their families, also raising awareness to ensure that the society is more accepting and encourages inclusivity and diversity.
 

To summarise, there is still a long way to go to ensure that the general society and children with disabilities are all treated fairly and equally. UNICEF has partnered with governments to ensure systems of child protection at all levels; abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. By doing this, it is clear to see the support that is provided and the positive effects it has already had on albino children and their families. In regards to disabled children in Tanzania, UNICEF is ‘making the promotion of disability rights and inclusive education a priority’ as they have recognised that ‘children with disabilities and their families constantly experience barriers to the enjoyment of their basic human rights and to their inclusion in society’ (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2012:101).  All in all, this video has been a realisation that injustice still exists in some parts of the world like Tanzania. The central principle of this video was appreciating the work that UNICEF does in stimulating the rights of children with disability in Tanzania, with hopes of improving their lives, regardless of their special needs.

By Shahima Aktar

 

 

 

References:
 

Commonwealth Secretariat (2012). Implementing Inclusive Education: A Commonwealth Guide to Implementing Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 2nd ed. United Kingdom: Charlesworth Press.
 

Marshall Cavendish Corporation (2008). Diseases and Disorders. United Kingdom. New York: Paul Bernabeo.
 

UnicefTanzania. (2012) Children with disabilities: UNICEF Tanzania's response. [online] Available from: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoPwlbLlp-M> [Accessed 02.12.2014].
 

Unicef.org.uk, (2014). What is Unicef? | Unicef UK. [online] Available at: http://www.unicef.org.uk/UNICEFs-Work/ [Accessed 02 Dec. 2014].