Education for everyone - 5th June 2023

A school in the Republic of the Congo is supporting students with autism and has launched a social campaign to tackle stigmas surrounding the condition.

In the heart of Brazzaville, the school Case Dominique has welcomed 350 autistic students as well as some with Down's syndrome. While many people on the autism spectrum don't have a learning disability, some living with the condition need additional assistance while learning, something which Case Dominique provides.

Autism's a spectrum, meaning the condition varies person to person. Some autistic people find it difficult to communicate or get anxious or upset in unfamiliar situations, but the condition is unique for each individual on the spectrum.

At the school, students all dress in navy blue trousers and khaki shirts. Neurotypcial and non-neurotypical students attend the same classes. Teacher Dudal Ndolo emphasised this point stating, "We put them together so they can socialise, get to know each other… because at home, they are rejected…"

Struggling to express herself and experiencing great difficulty at her old school, Edith has made significant progress since enrolling at Case Dominique. Her mother Coco noted, "Today, I see a great evolution."

Associating autism with witchcraft, this social stigma in the Republic of the Congo has resulted in familial conflict and ostracisation of the children. Sister Louvouandou, a nun and worker at the school, said, "Today, unfortunately, there are many couples who separate because of the autism of a child."

Case Dominique has been raising awareness by regularly issuing out leaflets on the streets, attempting to eradicate the harmful misconceptions surrounding autism.

Despite the school's efforts, students with autism still face much discrimination such as being denied access to public transportation. However, thanks to Case Dominique, there's at least one place they're accepted and even thrive.