| Edon Williams, the limbless lad who I met three years ago at Charity, Essequibo Coast, began his Primary Education at the age of eight, at the Charity Primary School on Monday last.Williams suffers from a rare medical disease called” Bilateral Transverse Terminal Hemimelia”The child was taught at home prior to him been placed in the school system. The young lad, who remains under the care of Pastor Orpha Singh, has been placed in Grade 3.Edon was attired in his school uniform and surrounded by many friends when we met on the third occasion last week.My interview with him was most opportune since his only available time on that particular day was during his lunch period. At first, he exclaimed of wanting to return to class excitedly when I inquired if I could take a picture of him in his school uniform.I barely managed to snap a single shot of Edon. For starters the little lad vaguely remembered our initial encounter but after some persuasion on my part, Edon remembered me.His English remains strikingly perfect; however, his attention was centered on returning to his classroom.Pastor Singh, of the Wesleyan Church at Charity, Edon’s caretaker indicated that it was a huge challenge in the beginning for Edon to be incorporated into the school system due to his rare disability, which renders him unable to move unaided.Pastor Singh explained that members of the Regional Education Office at Anna Regina and teachers at the Charity Primary School were understanding, and willing to have Edon attend School when she approached them.Singh mentioned that while going to the toilet will still pose the severest of the challenges for Edon, especially at school, there is no need for her to hang around, partially supervising Edon during School hours, since he uses a wheelchair and gets around effectively with some assistance from his friends and willing Teachers.“The only problem for Edon is him having to use the toilet, due to the number of pupils who utilise the facility. In Edon’s case he has to use the toilet frequently.”Singh added that teachers promised to lend their support to the young lad. Edon spoke of his delight at attending school and also the manner in the way his teacher attends to him.“Edon likes how his teacher is teaching and he is adapting fast,” Singh revealed.Edon was born without legs and arms to parents, Coleen and Terry Williams,Clearance Hockey Jerseys, on March 30th, 2005 at Barima River, in the North West District. He is the third of five children.Pastor Singh first met Edon almost three years ago, while on a missionary trip to the North West District and ever since has been caring for the disabled child. She said when she was first tasked with the responsibility of taking care of Edon, he didn’t know to do most of the things he does today.Another woman, Sister Helen is currently tasked with the responsibility of bathing, clothing and preparing Edon’s backpack and also accompanying him to School. Edon writes on his own. He likes to be in the company of children, play computer games and attend Church.Pastor Singh hopes that Edon will remain in the School system for a long time in order to acquire an education, despite his unfortunate situation. |
