04/02/2026
Founder’s Note – Kawan Aondofa Anjira
“I need to say this with love, not judgment.
To parents who pack their children with cerebral palsy’s belongings in this kind of bag, what does it mean? Would we pack a child without cerebral palsy, resuming boarding school, in the same kind of bag?
In my opinion, this type of bag is meant for other things. Yes, it is strong. Yes, it is spacious. But seeing a beautiful child with cerebral palsy’s clothes and personal items inside it made me pause… and reflect.
Let’s be honest. The bag is durable and can hold many items. The straps can carry heavy loads.
But when it comes to children, especially children with cerebral palsy, packing their personal belongings in it (not toys, not supplies, but their personal things) raises concern. The bag is oversized and not child-friendly. There’s no structure; items shift and get disorganized. The material is rough, with no lining or padding. There are no compartments, no zippers, no protection. And most importantly, its industrial look strips away dignity.
In short: it may work for goods, but it should not be the first choice for a child, especially a child with cerebral palsy.
When I see children with cerebral palsy admitted at SECHILD with their belongings packed in bags that don’t reflect care or pride, I can’t help but ask: Would we pack our children’s things this way if they were resuming boarding school?
Cerebral palsy does not reduce a child’s worth. Disability does not cancel dignity.
These children already face enough, stares, limitations, and barriers we may never fully understand. The least we can do as parents is present them to the world with the same respect we would give any other child.
This is not about expensive things. It’s about intention. It’s about love shown in practical ways. A simple, decent bag sends a powerful message: ‘You matter. You are valued. You belong.’
This is not about shaming parents. This is about advocacy. Let’s advocate for our children not only with our voices, but with our actions. Let’s protect their dignity, build their confidence, and remind them, daily, that they are worthy of care, pride, and respect.
Our children are not less. They are deserving.”