Introduction the project

Introduction tools & tips

Obstacle

People with disabilities are generally a very specific vulnerable group as they face discrimination on all levels of daily life. Their disability should be considered as a result of two causes: on the one hand, the characteristics of the disability itself and the incapacity of the person suffering from a trauma or disease, and, on the other hand, the particularities of the environment that creates physical and socio-cultural obstacles in a given situation (family life, work, education, leisure time, climate, etc.), ("Handicap Creation Process") (?Le processus de production du handicap?, P. Fougeyrollas et al. © RIPPH/SCCIDIH 1998)

Full potential

In the aftermath of armed conflicts, integrating people with disabilities is particularly difficult. Besides the destruction of the infrastructure, families are torn apart and social networks destroyed. Rehabilitation and integration measures are hard to carry out, as resources are scarce and costly. Thus, the full potential of disabled people cannot be achieved, which in turn may lead to a further loss of motivation, self-esteem and increase poverty and isolation. This is especially true for women and girls who may face double discrimination being female and disabled.

Project in short

In this context the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (gtz) initiated a pilot project: "Rehabilitation through sports activities for children and young people in war affected countries". This project is a contribution by the gtz towards promoting the interests of people with special needs through development cooperation. Within this small scale pilot project, sport and games were identified and tested as a means of rehabilitation for children and young adults with disabilities. The project aimed at strengthening disabled children both mentally and physically, by promoting their rehabilitation, facilitating their social integration and their capacity for self-help. The integration of girls was especially emphasised, as it is assumed that they are rarely taken into consideration when it comes to physical activities, even more so when they are disabled. Although the project was initially designed for children and young people disabled by war or landmines, the first contacts with local partner organisations showed the need to adapt the project design to local reality and to include all disabled children and young people whatever the cause of their disability. With a focus on non-competitive athletic games, the project intended to demonstrate to the children that competition can take place in a spirit of fun and without destructive aggression. This is an important contribution to the management of conflicts.