2025 Special Needs Program Update

A Day in the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Clinic

This day is for their child, their child with special abilities. The families come early and wait under the mango tree; they talk about their child. Each child has a story that is shared. The families walk long distances or take a local matola, squished between many other people, a chicken or two and maybe a goat. But for these families they are looking forward to this day, this day is for their child. A brightly painted room with colorful cloths awaits each family as they enter the CP (Cerebral Palsy) clinic. This clinic is a comfortable place, a place of acknowledgment for their child with special abilities.
The doctors listen to the parents, paying attention to their child’s medical concerns. The parents feel accepted, recognized for their child’s special abilities. If the child is too sick, they may be sent to the hospital. For these families, their child is finally getting supported. The nutritionist weighs and measures the child’s height; arm circumference is taken to ensure the child is growing as needed. The social worker listens to the parents concerns about their child’s daily living patterns, providing support and acceptance for the family. The physiotherapist attends to the child, observing their movements, while listening to the parent talk about their child’s challenges or maybe ongoing successes over the last week or two. The physio teaches the parent on how to guide their child to roll, come to sitting or sit by themselves. Maybe they take their first step on this day. The parents practice what they have learned. If special equipment is needed to support the child in sitting, standing or walking, measurements will be taken and equipment provided at the next clinic. Porridge has been prepared and given to each child out on the ground in front of the clinic. If the child needs support in learning how to chew or swallow, there is a therapist there to help each child, each parent.

Parents talk to each other, sharing their child’s stories, supporting one another. Parents benefit greatly from this extensive support system. This day is for their child…..And for them.