Shera's kitchen classroom

Shera is a mediator’s co-worker in the Philippines. She works near the dumpsite of San Pedro, Laguna. After studying to be a nurse, Shera became a teacher for children with mental disabilities. Most of their parents are scavengers and workers at the Southside dumpsite. Shera teaches the children how to read, clean, cook and how to take care of themselves. Shera uses a private kitchen as a place to teach her students, because the main school is quite far from the dumpsite.

Parents need to be trained
Shera is affiliated with Birthright, the partner organisation of the Liliane Foundation in Muntinlupa. This organisation conducts trainings of parents whereby parents can meet, learn and exchange information. Shera herself looks forward to more training in CBR so she could harness her talent in improving the lives of children.

Hidden children
Shera has worked in the dumpsite for three years, but is not yet satisfied with the results. “There are still many parents who hide their children. I need to gain their trust so they could bring them out”, she says. “Some parents have the wrong attitude and think that their children have no hope of learning. They themselves have given up.”

Constant teasing
Shera herself was born with a cleft palate. And she grew up in a poor family. After a few years she was able to have surgery. She began to talk at the age of five. At that time, children made fun of Shera’s misarticulations. It made her hate school. There were times when she did not want to be with other children, because of their constant teasing.

“I know how they feel”
Shera has a natural affection for children with disabilities. She reaches out to these children and their parents with enthusiasm. She also visits families when their children do not show up in class. Shera’s passion for disabled children grew from her own bitter experiences as a child: “I know how they feel. I was like them before.”

A good life awaits
Shera loves her work as a mediator for disabled children. Shera believes that “it will take some time to open people’s minds, to accept disability among their children but what is important is that, there are people who can support them when they want to face reality and do something for their child. Children also need to feel that someone loves them and is willing to help them.  I do not want them to feel discriminated. I want them to know that there is a good life waiting for them if they just persevere.”