From the ANM archive · Thriving Thursday
For years, I carried two memories from school.
The first was “Wobzanai”—the way I once misspelt my own name in my mother’s hymn book. It became a family joke. For me, it was a passing childhood mistake. But it later made me think about learners whose reading or spelling differences do not pass, and what happens when a genuine struggle becomes something other people laugh at.
The second was watching some students receive extra time in examinations. I did not understand it then. Years later, after my own diagnosis, I began to wonder what support might have changed for me if I had understood my needs earlier.
These memories now sit together.
A learner asked to read aloud without warning may not be “participating”. They may be trying not to panic in front of the whole class.
A student who needs extra time is not being given an unfair advantage. They are being given a fairer chance to show what they know.
A quiet child may not have an empty mind. They may have learnt that staying invisible feels safer than getting something wrong in public.
We need to stop confusing exposure with challenge.
Challenge says:
I believe you can grow, and I will support you.
Exposure says:
Perform this difficult task now, in front of everyone, and cope with whatever happens.
What would make it easier for you to learn and show what you know?
Then let us listen without rushing to defend the system.
Because support is not a favour.
Dignity is not a reward.
And no child should have to reach adulthood before discovering that they were never the problem.
Call to action
Read Missed Opportunities and What “Wobzanai” Taught Me About Dyslexia, Shame and the Classroom through ANM.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wadzanai-mandibvira-a4b86641a_extra-time-is-not-an-advantage-its-access-ugcPost-7488273246828695552-eeI5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAGqO1FsB2BJTSQyZTwk4tLOo9GdlXqiTck8
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wadzanai-mandibvira-a4b86641a_throughmylens-dyslexiaawareness-neurodiversityafrica-ugcPost-7487277296320696321-t-9-/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAGqO1FsB2BJTSQyZTwk4tLOo9GdlXqiTck8PhotoThe African Neurodiversity Movement
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