An Association of Institutes for Lay Missioners (ALMA) nun has urged East Nusa Tenggara provincial authorities and parents not to neglect disabled children and give them the same rights as every one else.

“Regard for the lives and education of disabled children remains low,” Sister Yohana Metan told a gathering of government officials and parents yesterday in Bajawa to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which falls annually on December 3.

According to Sister Metan, neglect can be seen in the lack of education for disabled children and poor facilities, if any, for them in schools. Also, many parents are not doing enough to take care and encourage these children.

“We must not underestimate their abilities. If we teach and guide them according to their own talents, they will be able to live independently, just like other children,” she said.

She called for more awareness of the situation disabled children face and for those in authority to take concrete steps to help them become more independent.

“These children have the right to a good life,” she added.

Yohanes Wolo, who has a disabled boy, thanked theALMA nuns for the work they have done with his son.

“The nuns taught my son to play the piano,” he said.

Six ALMA nuns currently serve about 150 disabled children in the area. They teach them how to read, write, count and a variety of other activities.

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