These remarkable females overcome obstacles to resume their schooling

LUCKNOW: She greets everyone with a smile, engages in conversation with enthusiasm, and expresses herself without restraint. She is able to take care of numerous everyday tasks, eat alone, and even assist her mother with housework. Introducing Suman Sonkar, a severe quadriplegic, 13 years old.

Suman, who comes from the ambitious Udaipur village in the Balrampur region, was able to attend school because to her bravery, commitment, and speech and physical therapy.
Our PT journey began two years ago. Her physiotherapist Tauseef Ahmad Siddiqui said that “she was malnourished, had slurred speech, and the problem of saliva drooling was so severe that her clothes would always remain wet.”
In a similar vein, nine-year-old Sayra Bano, who had dwarfism symptoms, decided to compete in a racing event in Gonda and earn a medal. Her walking style was impacted by her physical disabilities. She was a resident of Kastoori in the town of Haldharmau. “The therapy strengthened her legs and improved her gait. Moreover, I focused on enhancing her cognitive abilities,” Sayra’s physiotherapist Rahul Giri remarked. 500 girls, including Suman and Sayra, were identified as part of an initiative by the education department, Unicef, and the Yeh Ek Soch Foundation for children with impairments in the Devipatan division. Since it began in November 2021, the intervention is starting to show results. “We can never see Suman leading a typical life. She would need our help with everything. However, she is starting to become independent,” Suman’s father, Raksha Ram, said.
Ritwik Patra, an education expert with Unicef-UP, states: “The most marginalized children were identified and their participation in education could be initiated through multi-sectoral engagement.” Education may be successfully participated in by children with severe and numerous impairments, as shown by the intervention.
“Suman now follows me in cleaning the house and washing utensils,” said Suman’s mother Sita Devi. She can now identify neighbors and relatives.
According to Sayra’s father, Muhammad Safeeq, “She is eager to learn new things and is very happy in school.” Her desire to participate in additional competitions is sparked by her racing victory. She serves as an example for the villagers.
Director of Unicef-UP Zakari Adam said, “This intervention has been a key step in supporting children with severe and multiple disabilities, particularly girls who are likely to be neglected. Every child has the right to education.” Such girls may dream of enrolling in a formal school system if their parents and instructors encourage them.”