Kyrgyz children find inspiration, tolerance through meeting famous persons with disabilities

On the morning of May 27, 2015 Save the Children International in Kyrgyzstan conducted a media campaign at Ak-Suu secondary school №4 in the village of Ak-Suu Moscow district of Chui oblast. Timed to coincide with International Children's Day, famous persons with disabilities were invited to act as role models at the event which was organized under the framework of European Union funded project, “Promoting, protecting and enforcing the rights of people with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan.”

Participants of the event included children from children's clubs of five pilot schools in the Moscow district, children with disabilities and their parents, teachers and representatives of the Child and Family Protection Department and District Education Departments took part at the event. The purpose of the event was: to strengthen the participation and inclusion of children and parents with disabilities in school; increase participation in society decision-making at the local level by overcoming stereotypes and misunderstandings: to promote positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. Children had the opportunity to speak informally with people who have health problems, but overcame all stereotypes and were able to find and build successful careers.

Speaking as a role model at the event, Ukeje Muratalieva, head of the Public Foundation “Nazik-Kuz” spoke about establishing her organization. Ukeje was 6 years old when she started to fill her artistic potential in drawing pictures; an ability which has become her profession. She graduated from the Faculty of Design at Polytechnic University and has since been working in the profession. She has been head of the organization since she was 21. Today, at 28, her association has employed 25 women with disabilities.

When a student asked how to become a designer, Ukeje said: "I can not give you the exact recipe, but you have to work hard to achieve something in life. Many people think that a disabled person is like an alien. But we are the same people, like all of you. We also eat, drink, live and breathe. We are no different from ordinary people.”  

A traditional dance group “Tumar,” gave a dance presentation in which children in wheelchairs joined the dance. Having performed across Asia, Africa and Europe, this dance group shared their international experience and perspective through dance.

Throughout the evening, participants shared their experiences and thoughts on equality and overcoming obstacles. The night closed with children from five pilot children’s clubs performing through song and dance.

The European Union funded project works to create a positive community environment where rights of children with disabilities are enforced and their participation is enhanced. Save the Children has been working on Inclusive Education in Kyrgyzstan since 1998 with support of different donors, being the leading agency in the country for advocating the rights of children with disabilities.