Onika Wants To Help
A True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination
Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier
Published: 2017-01-06
Pages: 34
"Wow! Such beautiful photography and a sweet story."- Lori Eigenman, Ed.S.
In Onika Wants to Help, four friends share how their lives changed when an inclusive school was built in their small African village. When they were young, their families had to keep them hidden because of their disabilities! For the first time in their lives, they are allowed to attend school and it makes them very happy.
Beautiful photographs take us onto the grounds of their Rainbow School and capture the essence of what it means to get to do something you have longed to do for many years. It's fun to discover the interests of the four teenagers. Onika, Teophani, Elibeth, and Agnes all share what they are learning and how they will someday be able to help others in their village.
This book explodes with its powerful message of inclusion and shows how allowing everyone to participate makes the world a better place
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By sharing Onika's story we celebrate the four teenagers' many strengths and abilities. Onika has intellectual disabilities. Her friends have intellectual disabilities and autism.
"Before the opening of Rainbow School, the society was totally ignorant about these children. Parents were hiding their disabled children in their homes." - Mr. Elly Mntangi, Lushoto businessman
"Stories are magic. Good stories change lives and cultures. 'Finding My Way Books' are spectacular story resources that feature youth and adults, living inclusive lives". - Jack Pearpoint, Executive Director Inclusion Press; Marsha Forest Centre
Each book in the Finding My World series can be read in any order, as each is one child's experience in finding inclusion and self-determination in the world around them.