For many parents in Yaoundé, the words come as a shock. “Your child is autistic.” “Your child has dyslexia.” “Your child struggles with attention and hyperactivity.” And once a specialist has spoken, the harder question begins. What now?
Speech therapists, psychologists and special needs educators are in short supply across Cameroon, and the ones who do practise often charge fees that put them out of reach for ordinary families. So a group of local organisations has decided to try a different approach, one built around teaching parents themselves.
The Cercle des Jeunes Réhabilités du Cameroun, working alongside AGBETSI and several partner organisations, is holding a one day training session on techniques for supporting children with autism and learning difficulties. It takes place on 26 July 2014, running from 9am to 5pm, at the CJARC centre in Ekounou Ekié, near the Chambre Froide.
Two specialists are leading the session. Dr Francesca Bruno, a psychologist from Italy, and Mawussi Koutodjo, a special needs educator based in Cameroon, will walk parents through simple, practical exercises they can do at home with their children, no clinical background required.
The idea is straightforward. Rather than waiting on scarce and expensive professional help, parents can learn to guide their own children through appropriate daily exercises, building skills gradually and with patience.
Registration costs 10,000 FCFA, payable in advance, and the session is open to teachers and special needs educators as well as parents. Anyone attending is asked to bring their own food and water for the day.
For more information or to register, organisers can be reached on 76296078, 99914339 or 22303970.