Report, August 2011
16/09/2011
We continued to share information about disabilities with centre staff. This year we focused on communication, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities and how play can be educational. We also revised some of the feeding techniques from previous workshops.
The highlight for the February/March visit was the delight shown by children and carers alike to the educational toys we (Jolie Thomas, Speech Pathologist and Jan Baker Physiotherapist) brought with us from Australia. In the past there were few toys and many were not age appropriate. Choosing age appropriate toys for different children at the centres will be a little easier now, but we need more!
Why are toys important?
Play is an ideal way for a child to learn so many things. Sharing, waiting, interaction, cause and effect, textures, listening, using your eyes, look for similar/opposites, perseverance, memory, numbers, colours etc For children with little movement some toys help to stimulate the senses and so provide information and learning opportunities. For the more able, to have something challenging or different provides learning opportunities.
It is always difficult to pick just one or two highlights from a trip to Moshi. Sometimes it is a series of seeming small things that, when combined, show real progress has been made, yet at other times there is one stand out moment.
In August Brian walked!
This little three and a half year old boy was the inspiration for CAPDA and the work we now do in Moshi. When I first met Brian I knew if he was shown how to progress through the varies stages of development he would one day walk. I also knew that if he did not receive appropriate intervention he probably would not walk. That thought haunted me. Seeing him in August walk and totter into my arms squealing with delight made my heart sing.
It was important for his family and the carers too. For the carers who have been working with him over the last 18 months it is the encouragement, reward and proof that skills learned are effective. They had not thought he would walk. This achievement will breed confidence, success and pride for the carers as well as Brian.
Unfortunately, not all children will achieve this degree of success. Yet we celebrate achievements however small they may seem or how long they take.
I think particularly of a 13 year old boy who has very complicated eating issues. A year after the Feb 2010 training, which was primarily on feeding, his general condition had improved. He could swallow more easily which meant he became better nourished. He now has the energy to smile, laugh, and begin to communicate. Sadly, he will never walk… yet his mum is pleased. To her, having her son now able to communicate a little non-verbally, gives a new dimension to their family life. That good nutrition is essential for brain function is no longer the theory of an earlier workshop - assisted feeding techniques have been practiced and in many cases the results are heartening.
These two stories highlight how CAPDA, in sharing ideas and knowhow with carers, assists children with various physical challenges.
The carers take delight with changes they see in the children. They value that we invest in their learning. New skills enable them to greet new families and children to their centre with a new confidence.
CAPDA continues to support the manufacturers (technicians) of locally made wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames and lying support systems. We continue to use local manufactures and tradespeople where possible. A locally made bed gets mattresses and heavier young people off the floor.
We also support BCC Enterprises. (More on this later.)
There are other new and exciting prospects ahead. We plan to raise funds to build a Learning Centre in the not too distance future. It would be sited opposite the major hospital on a beautiful piece of land the church has given to us for this initiative. This purpose built school facility would have room for some badly needed vocational training rooms for older students. Our partners in Moshi are as excited as we are. We hope this idea excites you too!
It is satisfying to reflect on the difference CAPDA makes to the lives of so many. We do not have large amounts of money… but funds in Moshi go a long way! If you would like to see how the money is spent and help possibly help us achieve our goals, please visit the donation page.
Director
Jan Baker
The highlight for the February/March visit was the delight shown by children and carers alike to the educational toys we (Jolie Thomas, Speech Pathologist and Jan Baker Physiotherapist) brought with us from Australia. In the past there were few toys and many were not age appropriate. Choosing age appropriate toys for different children at the centres will be a little easier now, but we need more!
Why are toys important?
Play is an ideal way for a child to learn so many things. Sharing, waiting, interaction, cause and effect, textures, listening, using your eyes, look for similar/opposites, perseverance, memory, numbers, colours etc For children with little movement some toys help to stimulate the senses and so provide information and learning opportunities. For the more able, to have something challenging or different provides learning opportunities.
It is always difficult to pick just one or two highlights from a trip to Moshi. Sometimes it is a series of seeming small things that, when combined, show real progress has been made, yet at other times there is one stand out moment.
In August Brian walked!
This little three and a half year old boy was the inspiration for CAPDA and the work we now do in Moshi. When I first met Brian I knew if he was shown how to progress through the varies stages of development he would one day walk. I also knew that if he did not receive appropriate intervention he probably would not walk. That thought haunted me. Seeing him in August walk and totter into my arms squealing with delight made my heart sing.
It was important for his family and the carers too. For the carers who have been working with him over the last 18 months it is the encouragement, reward and proof that skills learned are effective. They had not thought he would walk. This achievement will breed confidence, success and pride for the carers as well as Brian.
Unfortunately, not all children will achieve this degree of success. Yet we celebrate achievements however small they may seem or how long they take.
I think particularly of a 13 year old boy who has very complicated eating issues. A year after the Feb 2010 training, which was primarily on feeding, his general condition had improved. He could swallow more easily which meant he became better nourished. He now has the energy to smile, laugh, and begin to communicate. Sadly, he will never walk… yet his mum is pleased. To her, having her son now able to communicate a little non-verbally, gives a new dimension to their family life. That good nutrition is essential for brain function is no longer the theory of an earlier workshop - assisted feeding techniques have been practiced and in many cases the results are heartening.
These two stories highlight how CAPDA, in sharing ideas and knowhow with carers, assists children with various physical challenges.
The carers take delight with changes they see in the children. They value that we invest in their learning. New skills enable them to greet new families and children to their centre with a new confidence.
CAPDA continues to support the manufacturers (technicians) of locally made wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames and lying support systems. We continue to use local manufactures and tradespeople where possible. A locally made bed gets mattresses and heavier young people off the floor.
We also support BCC Enterprises. (More on this later.)
There are other new and exciting prospects ahead. We plan to raise funds to build a Learning Centre in the not too distance future. It would be sited opposite the major hospital on a beautiful piece of land the church has given to us for this initiative. This purpose built school facility would have room for some badly needed vocational training rooms for older students. Our partners in Moshi are as excited as we are. We hope this idea excites you too!
It is satisfying to reflect on the difference CAPDA makes to the lives of so many. We do not have large amounts of money… but funds in Moshi go a long way! If you would like to see how the money is spent and help possibly help us achieve our goals, please visit the donation page.
Director
Jan Baker