Special Needs

While working in three different elementary schools, I am coming into contact with children who in the United States would most likely qualify for special education services, which simply do not exist in their schools.  With some notable exceptions, such as the  NPH's special needs programs, special education services in Haiti are almost non-existent.  I am encountering intelligent children who probably have mild learning disabilities who find themselves struggling in classrooms where everyone is almost always expected to do everything at the same time and learn in the same way and usually in a language, they don't really understand.  I am also encountering a few children who I suspect have more significant developmental disabilities.  I believe that there are other children with significant developmental disabilities that I am not encountering at all because they are excluded from school completely.   On average there are more students in elementary classrooms here than there are in US classrooms, I would guess typically, nearly twice as many.  The large class size makes it especially difficult for a teacher with no special education training at all to recognize and make even a simple accommodation for a child who may learn differently than his/her peers. This leaves some children struggling unnecessarily and others being lost or left out completely.    

I pray that the Holy Spirit will provide me with the wisdom to advocate for and be supportive of these children, their families, and their teachers.     

 Recently I had a brief encounter with a young child who has a significant developmental disability. She had a warm and welcoming smile.  A Haitian child, who is poor, who would not score well on an IQ test may not be particularly valued by the world in general.  Such a child though may know what is most important perhaps better than most.  She is able to love, to welcome others, and treat people with kindness.  Her presence reminded me that the God I believe in does not determine our worth based on how well we score on standardized tests, how much money our families have, the languages we do or don't speak, or whether or not we are capable of speaking at all, nor by any prestige attached to our work or seeming accomplishments.  We are all valuable simply for who we are.  Each of us is a unique expression of God's love.  That little child reflected God's love to me that day.   She was my teacher, and I have much to learn.  

Other Updates

Eight young women who will soon officially be postulants moved into our house last week.  They bring wonderful energy and youthful enthusiasm.  I am grateful for their presence.  

To prevent transportation difficulties, I am now spending one night a week at a different convent.  On the day I have an early class, I have only to walk down a flight of stairs to be at work.    

I was praying for all of the sisters and my friends in New Orleans and surrounding areas over the weekend.  I am grateful that Nate did little to no damage there.  Still praying for those in various places who have been impacted by the many hurricanes this season.    

Thanks for taking the time to read this.  Many blessings!