Today Daudi waved goodbye to me for the first time! I usually have to be right next to him, prompting him visually, verbally, and physically to get a wave in response or to support him in waving to others. He has waved at me from far away with another adult or kid right next to him prompting him, but today there was no other adult or kid at his side!
He was sitting on the edge of the amphitheatre, while some of the kids played a ball game in the center. He noticed me as I walked out the back door and he started smiling. I first yelled, “Bye Daudi!” as I waved from about 30 feet away, and he continued smiling. I moved in about five feet closer, prompted him to raise his hand and yelled, “Bye Daudi!” as I waved again, and he continued smiling. I expected that I would end up right next to him before he would wave. I moved in five feet closer, prompted him to raise his hand again, then yelled, “Bye Daudi!” as I waved… and then he did too!
I shouted praises to him and turned around to make sure that the other volunteers I was leaving with were watching; I had to know that someone else had seen it!
This is Daudi’s third year in a row of consistent special education services. He continues to make slow, steady progress in communication, social skills, life skills, academic skills, and behavior. Caregivers and kids are always happy to report his successes, no matter how small they might seem; they are also quick to share concerns and implement strategies to support him. Daudi thrives at Amani because of the “ushirikiano” (cooperation) of a cohesive and caring staff and children who are willing to accept and appreciate a brother who is different.
