School's Back, but Cancer Took a Chunk: Helping Kids with Cancer at CanShala
Remember little Rohan*, the one with the infectious smile who always aced his math tests? Cancer may have stolen some of his childhood, but it can't steal his future. The truth is, many children like Rohan in India face a unique challenge during cancer treatment and after beating cancer: keeping up in school. Teachers might not have much experience supporting students who are cancer survivors. This is where we, as caregivers/guardians, come in. We need to understand what Rohan went through, how the treatment might affect his learning, and most importantly, how to advocate for him at school.
Think of it like this: Rohan climbed a massive mountain, but the climb might have left him a little unsteady. School can be another mountain for him to conquer, and we need to be his Sherpa – his guide and support system. Thankfully, there are plenty of helping hands on the journey.
Think of it like this: Rohan climbed a massive mountain, but the climb might have left him a little unsteady. School can be another mountain for him to conquer, and we need to be his Sherpa – his guide and support system. Thankfully, there are plenty of helping hands on the journey.
Hospital school teachers, psychologists, social workers – these superheroes can work with us and the school to create the best learning environment for Rohan. It's all about understanding what might trip him up: missing school during treatment, fatigue, lingering effects of treatment, or even learning difficulties that were there before the diagnosis. Let's not forget the impact on things like hearing, vision, or even physical abilities.
Some treatments, like those with strong chemotherapy drugs, can even affect memory and focus. Just imagine trying to solve a complex math problem when your brain feels like it's filled with fog! The good news? There's hope.
We need inclusive laws for children with cancer, we have disability act, however, it does not include children with cancer who face challenges academically.
CanKids provide educational services to children with cancer to continue their education during and after their treatment through variety of ways. CanKids CanShala – a special school for children with cancer in works in partnership with state government to provide formal education to children getting treated in hospitals and help them continue their education to reduce or remove the gap which usually comes due to painful and prolonged cancer treatment.
CanKids helps children enjoy their childhood even when they are in the hospitals through Back to School program by giving the school kit which includes a school bag, stationary items, notebooks, colours, etc.
CanKids' teacher brigade follow up with the children after their treatment as well to mentor and tutor them. This allows the child to continue their education without any challenges.
Along with the above programs CanKids does advocacy and awareness programs to bring policy level changes and improvement in the existing laws. Through these activities we can ensure Rohan, and countless other brave-hearts like him, conquer not just cancer, but also the classroom. After all, a little support can go a long way in helping them reach their full potential
Some treatments, like those with strong chemotherapy drugs, can even affect memory and focus. Just imagine trying to solve a complex math problem when your brain feels like it's filled with fog! The good news? There's hope.
We need inclusive laws for children with cancer, we have disability act, however, it does not include children with cancer who face challenges academically.
CanKids provide educational services to children with cancer to continue their education during and after their treatment through variety of ways. CanKids CanShala – a special school for children with cancer in works in partnership with state government to provide formal education to children getting treated in hospitals and help them continue their education to reduce or remove the gap which usually comes due to painful and prolonged cancer treatment.
CanKids helps children enjoy their childhood even when they are in the hospitals through Back to School program by giving the school kit which includes a school bag, stationary items, notebooks, colours, etc.
CanKids' teacher brigade follow up with the children after their treatment as well to mentor and tutor them. This allows the child to continue their education without any challenges.
Along with the above programs CanKids does advocacy and awareness programs to bring policy level changes and improvement in the existing laws. Through these activities we can ensure Rohan, and countless other brave-hearts like him, conquer not just cancer, but also the classroom. After all, a little support can go a long way in helping them reach their full potential