Enabled Children School

Inclusion for disabled children amid upheaval

Enabled Children School, a charity-funded primary school in Kabul,
Afghanistan, is the country’s only school that offers education for children with all types of
disabilities, physical and mental. Its staff are carefully selected and trained to accommodate
for these diverse learning needs. Established in 2020 amidst Afghanistan’s profound upheaval,
the school confronts the dual challenges of systemic exclusion and the acute lack of educational
opportunities for disabled children. The school was born out of a critical need to provide
tailored educational pathways that not only cater to academic learning but also incorporate
essential life-skills training, suitable to the Afghan context.

Catering to 88 students, the school’s mission is grounded in the
belief that all children deserve inclusive education and the chance to participate fully in
society. Despite facing ongoing threats such as government instability and societal stigma
towards disabilities, Enabled Children School has created a safe and supportive learning
environment. This resilience has allowed the institution to offer programmes that significantly
enhance societal integration and acceptance of children with disabilities.

By integrating academic subjects with occupational and physical
therapy within a nurturing environment, the school ensures each student receives personalised
attention. Their comprehensive approach includes extensive family engagement and support
services, promoting a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity.

A key factor in the success of Christel House South Africa is the
innovative blended learning model that integrates technology at all levels of education.
Recognised as one of the five Microsoft Showcase Schools in South Africa, Christel House South
Africa leverages technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences, ensuring students are
equipped with future-ready skills, especially in the ICT arena where over 60% of the world's new
jobs are believed to be found by 2030.

Recent initiatives have successfully integrated 18 students into
mainstream schools and facilitated vocational training for 10 others, ensuring they are
welcomed, thereby illustrating the tangible impacts of the school’s programmes. Additionally,
the school’s outreach has extended its influence, with a waiting list that includes 250 local
students and requests from 1,350 students across other provinces.

Enabled Children School's approach involves extensive community
engagement and strong partnerships. These efforts are supported by a commitment to staff
training and family involvement, which are crucial for fostering an environment of acceptance
and understanding.

If awarded the World's Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity,
Enabled Children School plans to expand its facilities and enrollment, reinforcing its impact on
the community and enhancing its educational offerings to continue being a beacon of hope and
inclusion in Afghanistan.