Primary SchoolThis is a story on primary school and disability in relation to Christabel’s experience in basic education. Christabel with cerebral palsy has completed her grade 7 at 20 years of age. The normal completion age for this grade is 12 or 13 years. However, the age limit is waived for children with disabilities. Christabel sat for the standard grade 7 examinations which are set by the Examination Council of Zambia. She sat for these examinations for the first time and she passed the examinations on first attempt. This is big milestone in Christabel’s life. However, because of her disability she was not personally writing the answers she was assisted by an independent examiner and there was also an invigilator. The family was very happy when we learned that she has passed the examinations. However, the challenge came about when we had to decide whether to take her to a boarding school or a day school. After a lengthy discussion, as a family we reluctantly decided to take her to a boarding school. After going through the formalities with a special education school in Luanshya town, we took Christabel to a school for handicapped children. She has been at this school for one term. She managed to fit into the school socially but she has faced a number of challenges. She is generally happy with the school and she has made new friends. Her main challenges include hand writing, reading and pushing the wheel chair. The family is now working on these challenges and we shall overcome them.
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