Visually-impaired children in Myanmar help their peers experience the joys of books
#ForEveryChild, inclusion
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- မြန်မာ
Hnin Hayman Aung, 10, and Nan Htike Aung, 8, have much in common. Not only are they visually impaired but they both have contributed to making the lives of other children with disabilities better.
Talking about their disabilities, Hnin Hayman Aung says, “I can see colours, silhouettes of faces and fingers but I cannot see text nor recognise faces.” Whereas Nan Htike Aung can read the text if the letters are large. “Otherwise, I’ve no clue,” he says.
Along with 95 visually impaired children, Hnin Hayman Aung and Nan Htike Aung recently offered their voices and acting skills to record Myanmar’s first audio-visual storybooks, supported by UNICEF.
The books target children aged 4 to 8 years with differing abilities. The audio is aimed at children with visual impairments, while the colourful pictures tell a story for those with hearing impairments. The books engage children with fun stories that include animal sounds, and also have messages on life skills and peacebuilding.
So far, UNICEF has produced 11 of the 44 planned storybooks, which will be shared with the public.
“The storybooks taught me much about kindness and
how everyone has different abilities and strengths….”
“I’ve learned plenty from this project,” said Hnin Hayman Aung. “It was the first time I had been to a recording studio. “The storybooks taught me much about kindness and how everyone has different abilities and strengths. I realised that being able to help my mother by looking after my little brother, washing clothes and assisting teachers in the class are also my abilities and strengths.”
Nan Htike Aung is just as enthusiastic. “I was so happy to be part of this project. I think my friends will like the books, which makes me happy,” said Nan Htike Aung. “My favourite is about a crocodile who got lost and set out on a journey to find her family.”
Both children attend a school for the visually impaired run by the Myanmar Christian Fellowship of the Blind, Khawel Chan Education Centre. They love their school and playing with their friends.
“Myanmar language, mathematics, English, drawing and music are all my favourite subjects. I also like physical training, so that would be six!” said Hnin Hayman Aung. ”
When it comes to the future, both children have big plans. Hnin Hayman Aung said she has many options. “I can become a teacher, pastor, computer instructor or craft artisan.”
Nan Htike Aung has one main goal. “When I grow up, I want to become a keyboard player like Brang Aung (a blind keyboard player who competed in “Myanmar’s Got Talent 2017”). Now, I’m learning by observing how he plays. I can move the slider up and down to adjust the volume, but I’m yet to practice with a real keyboard.”
It is clear both Nan Htike Aung and Hnin Hayman will not let their disabilities hold them back and they want to make their mark.
