Helping Addea see a brighter future

Seven year old Addea from Ghana was one of the thousands of children missing out on a full education because of undetected learning difficulties.

“Because of my problem, I couldn’t see what was written on the board and in my book well. I had to move the book very close to my eyes or move close to the board to see what was written. I couldn’t write straight on lines and identify numbers and letters well. I always wanted to sleep when Madam was teaching and didn’t want to come to school.”

Thanks to the Best Start Together project, teachers are trained on using our Disability Detect App, which screens children through a series of comprehensive questions and helps flag additional and special educational needs. Teachers are also given robust training to better support children with special educational needs by introducing play-based, individually tailored and inclusive teaching methods.

By screening Addae using the app, Zuwera, her teacher, immediately identified an issue with Addae’s sight. She was referred to a sight clinic and Chance for Childhood provided her with glasses.

“Since I got the glasses, I can now see and write well. I no longer hold my books close to my eyes or move back and forth to see the board. I can now count all the letters from A-Z. I no longer write off the lines and I enjoy playing with my friends.”

As part of the teacher training, educators are shown how to create Individual Learning Plans for children. Zuwera has seen significant improvements in her pupils’ attention and engagement since implementing the plans. Simple changes — such as moving pupils like Addae closer to the board and ensuring the class is well lit — can make a huge difference.