Aleyah’s early progress brings renewed hope
Stories | January 22, 2024
Through a CBM-funded early education program in the Philippines, 4-year-old Aleyah is developing the skills to start her life-long learning journey.
She was born with Down syndrome and struggled to speak, eat and use the bathroom. Her parents were very worried that Aleyah would never make friends or go to school in her village.
In the past five months, her family and community have witnessed how critical early education is for children with disabilities to not be left behind. Thanks to home-based training, she has made great improvements with her motor skills and performing daily living activities. She is now learning numbers, letters and colours.
In addition, speech therapy means Aleyah can now say words like “mama” and “dada” and is overcoming her shyness to interact with other kids and neighbours. It has even brought out a love for singing! That’s music to the ears of her family, who are now hopeful she can attend pre-school next year.
CBM’s partner also provides specialist training for teachers to gain skills for specialised learning for children with disabilities. This includes modifications to classrooms like desks, seating arrangements and large print learning books. These supports all add up to a strong start to life for children like Aleyah.
CBM acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and thanks NORFIL.
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/aleyahs-early-progress-brings-renewed-hope-philippines-down-syndrome-child-disabilities
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