Don’t let disability shatter your dreams, CYWDs told

The Norfil Foundation Inc. conducted a self-awareness and values enrichment seminar-workshop for the children and youth with disabilities (CYWDs) from Cebu province last Feb. 18-19, 24-25.

The seminar was in line with the foundation’s community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program.

“What is important in this seminar-workshop is that CYWDs would become aware of their rights,” said Jhonny Barrameda, CBR Cebu project in-charge.

Barrameda observed that majority of the CYWDs tend to be shy and aloof because they lack self-confidence and awareness of their rights and privileges.

“The way you view yourselves and the way you perceive how others see you would hinder you to be socially functional. But in truth, you are rightfully endowed with dignity, self-respect and self-worth just like the others,” Barrameda told the participants.

Invited speaker Nina Bojos, a person with disability herself, recounted her story that was marred by unpleasant encounters, alluding to her own family who often dampened her spirit.

“The more they let me down, the more I raised myself and the more my self-confidence would increase,” said Bojos in Cebuano.

Oslob National High School principal Florencio Labiste, who has a congenital anomaly, also served as speaker. He said that as a young kid he suffered from bullying due to his physical appearance.

“Your dreams will come true if you have dedication. If you feel you are marginalized, improvement is way to go. Our disability must not deter us in achieving our dreams,” Labiste said.

Toiling hard toward his dreams, Labiste eventually graduated in college with a degree in Chemical engineering.

“Don’t let frustration, disappointment, and negativity creep in your mind that as you fall prey on any of these, the downfall of your dreams start to emerge.”

Fifty participating CYWDs came from the municipalities of Ginatilan, Samboan, Oslob, Dalaguete, Boljoon, Sogod, Tabogon, San Remigio, Medellin and Bogo City.