After the passing of Sajedah’s father it became a great passion to raise awareness for other carers and create a safe space for them to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings with likeminded people providing them relief and reliability.
Whilst setting up a group for carers, one of the parents approached us and asked whether anyone has ever considered setting up a facility for children with SEN/D. Up until this point we never realised there would be a demand for it, despite being carers ourselves. Following this conversation, we carried out extensive research and decided to open one ourselves in memory of Sajedah’s father. It’s heart touching to know that the community has been immensely supportive of our initiative so far.
These individuals with Special Needs are the key to our Paradise Providing them a safe environment to flourish in doesn’t only bring the happiness but it also provides respite for their carers. As a community, we sometimes fail to see our responsibility towards those who haven’t had the same start and path in life as we have but we hope our story inspires and motivates change. We want to see smiles on these children and young adult’s faces, and we want to see relief among the carers who sacrifice so much day in and day out.
There’s no doubt it causes challenges and restrictions for the individual however this is down to the fact that they’re trying to navigate in environments that don’t consider them. Taking a walk through the park to go to school, or jumping on the bus with friends would be a standard routine for mainstream children. For our children this would be something they may never experience. In general, children, young people and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities face the challenge of normalising their lives with patience, strength and courage and so many of them accomplish this with such flair. May God facilitate them in their adversity and enable more of us to become a supportive force for them.
The way we provide specialised support and facilities should empower these individuals and help alleviate these challenges. Going beyond their physical needs, we must also recognise that measures must be put in place that consider and care for their mental and emotional needs too. We must recognise that the most remarkable work is carried out by the parents.
Without training or planning they’re forced to adapt their lives to facilitate the children and young adults they care for. In comparison to the parents of our pupils, we spend limited time with our gems and even this has proven challenging and complex. The parents, sibling and families on the other hand have mentally prepared themselves to deal with all types of unpredictable challenges and this takes an incredible amount of will power, sacrifice and strength.
Paradise Gems | Registered charity – 1203487
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