Support All Around

A recent group counseling session for the Kurt Fearnley Special Needs Unit on the 29th of May, brought together parents and guardians of children living with disability, providing a safe space for sharing experiences and mutual support. This gathering was not just a routine meeting; it was an exchange of personal stories, dreams, and the struggles faced by those who often feel ostracized and misunderstood by society.

The session commenced with prayer from one of the attendees. The session was led by our counselors situated at the school, Sister Angelica and Tr. Tabitha, who invited everyone to share their journeys. One by one, parents opened up about their feelings of isolation. Many recounted how they felt marginalized by their neighbors and, in some cases, even by family members. "Some parents don’t want my children to play with theirs, they say their child will catch whatever my child has," one mother shared tearfully. "People don’t understand what we go through, and they don't try to." These words resonated deeply with the group, highlighting a common theme of social alienation that many parents of children with special needs endure.

As the session progressed, the atmosphere shifted from one of shared sorrow to one of solidarity and empathy. Each parent’s story, while unique, mirrored the experiences of others in the room. This realization fostered a strong sense of connection among the participants. They were no longer alone in their struggles; they had found a community that truly understood and supported them.

Beyond sharing their hardships, the parents also opened up about their personal aspirations. These dreams, often set aside due to the demands of caring for their children, ranged from pursuing higher education to starting small businesses. One guardian, for example, spoke of his desire to on day find a wife and build a family of his own, his concern however was whether his wife would accept his niece who had special needs. Alongside these aspirations was a pervasive worry about how the future would look like for their children. The fear of failure and the unknown future loomed large. Despite these concerns, the group found encouragement within each other's stories. They discussed practical strategies and potential support systems that could help them pursue their goals without compromising their roles as caregivers.

By the end of the session, attendees had a sense of relief, that they were understood by others undergoing the same pressures. The parents and guardians left with not only a lighter heart but also with renewed hope and determination. They had discovered that while the journey is filled with challenges, they possess an inner strength amplified by the support of community. The Kurt Fearnley Special Needs Unit continues to be a beacon of hope, offering not just educational support for children with special needs but also emotional and psychological support for their families. This session was a testament to the power of shared experiences and the incredible resilience of these parents and guardians.

By: Ashley Kagio
Edit: Gregory Barake