Phensem Expands Outreach to Zhemgang and Panbang, Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities

On April 29th and 30th, the Phensem team, supported by Save the Children and in collaboration with the ECCD and SEN Division of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, organized a transformative workshop for parents of Children with Disabilities and teachers in Zhemgang with the aim of empowering parents and other attendees with essential tools for supporting children with disabilities.

Highlights included insightful discussions, practical strategies, and heartfelt exchanges among the 49 participants, representing Dzongkhag officials; teachers of Zhemgang Primary School, Zhemgang Higher Secondary School and Buli Primary School; and various institutions and CSOs .

On May 1st, efforts of awareness and advocacy were extended to the parents of Panbang where teachers and health staff also attended the gathering and shared their concerns, ideas and stories. Additionally, two portable toilets were provided to two families with a child diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, which were generously donated by Bhutan Toilet Organization to Phensem for distribution to persons with disabilities.

Phensem as the country’s only parent support group envisions a Bhutan where parents of Children with Disabilities are empowered to be able to advocate for their children and the primary goal during this period was to reach out to parents of Children with Disabilities in Zhemgang and Panbang of both children enrolled in schools and those unable to attend schools due to accessibility. Parents said it was the first time they felt acknowledged and included.

Phensem was initiated by parents of Children with Disabilities of Thimphu in 2017 and we started reaching out to parents in other Dzongkhags in 2023 and will continue to do so.

Of the parents, by the parents…for life.