On the eve of the International Day for Protection of Children marked on June 1, with financial support of the European Union and CARITAS Germany, the Branch of the German CARITAS Association in Tajikistan jointly with the Local Government Authority of Ayni district and its partner Public Organizations “ASTI” and “DARO” organized an inclusive cultural and entertainment event in Zarafshon jamoat of Ayni district, Sughd province.
According to the Branch of the German CARITAS Association in Tajikistan, attendees were representatives from local government authorities, international and public organizations, and residents of Ayni district, particularly children with disabilities (CWDs) and their parents/caregivers.
The event started with a number of different interesting outdoor games entitled “Who does a lot”, “Who is faster”, “Find the toy”, “Mother’s hands”, “Bag throwing”, etc., in which CWDs and their parents/caregivers participated actively and received gifts. These games were aimed for mental, emotional and physical development of CWDs and childcare skills improvement of parents and caregivers.
The event continued inside the Palace of Culture where Gulsara Zokirzoda, Deputy Chairman of Ayni district conveyed congratulatory message of the district’s chairman. “Our life does not make sense without children and we cannot be indifferent to their education and development”, said Gulsara, adding that the Tajik Government undertakes all necessary measures to create a bright future for children.
Zarinamo Mukhtorova, the Program Manager from CARITAS Germany, in her turn, drew the participants’ attention to social inclusion of CWDs. “CWDs should not be marginalized and they are full members of our society who along with children without disabilities have the right to a decent life” Zarinamo said.
The children of kindergarten No.1 in Ayni district performed a cultural program that included poems and songs, dances and shows, covering the topics of patriotism, mothers’ love, peace, unity and friendship. Educational and entertaining shows by the puppet theatre of Buston city made a deep impression on CWDs most of whom were attending such event for the first time.
The event was wrapped up by screening of a series of short video clips about the successful lives of CWDs aimed at encouraging CWDs to education and vocational training.
The event was held within the framework of the European Union and CARITAS Germany funded project, Supporting Civil Society in Applying Community Based Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities in Ayni District. The Project aims to improve access of persons with disabilities, including CWDs, to quality public services in the sectors of health, education and disaster risk reduction in Ayni district.
