First Group & Lasting Memories..

 

The first group of children received temporary wheelchairs when they arrived at the Hope Haven facility on the afternoon 19 October. We quickly transported everyone over to the Mennonite camp where they would be staying for the next couple of days.

Helping Lucinda and her sister prepare dinner for the group.

Lots of goodies for the children!!

After a delicious dinner, we gave each child a blanket, a rain poncho, stuffed animal, and tooth brush and toothpaste. They were surprised and delighted.

It didn't take long for us to get to know the children and their mothers. What impressed me was how quickly mothers began to get to know each other and share their stories..

It really doesn't matter where you are in the world; mothers who have children with disabilities are often isolated. It is such a comfort to talk to another mother who understands, has similar challenges and hopes and dreams for their child.

 

The next day everyone was transported back to the Hope Haven facility. Physical Therapy students from the university in Guatemala were already working hard in the assembly area when we arrived. There were a few that I recognized from the clinics in March.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful little Blanca in her new wheelchair!

The children received their new wheelchairs and the mothers received wheelchair training. The more  independent children ventured outside of the seating area to try out their new chairs and play basketball.

Each chair is adjusted to meet the child's mobility and postural support needs. Some children required complex supportive seating because of postural deformities. Proper postural support provides comfort, improves function and helps to prevent future postural problems.  


I sat with each mother, and with the help of our skilled interpreter, Raul, I asked them questions about their child's diagnosis, whether or not they were attending school, the types of therapy their child was receiving, activities their child enjoyed, and what their hopes and dreams were for their child. It is important to learn about their history, their needs and goals for their children. The older more verbal children were able to share their hopes and dreams with me. One child wanted to learn how to fly; another wanted to be a secretary, and another wanted to be an interpreter. I spoke to them briefly about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Guatemala has signed and ratified) and their rights. I planted the seed. :)

What concerned me was that probably 90% of the mothers or more shared that their child was not attending school. Some mothers said their child went to a rehabilitation facility to receive therapy once or twice a week. On the USAID website it states, "only two of every five children finish sixth grade and just 19 percent of all high school-aged youth are in school in Guatemala."

How can we talk to children with disabilities about going to school when only a small percentage of the general population makes it though primary/elementary school and even less make it through middle school? What can we do to provide them with opportunities that will help them grow into responsible productive citizens of their countries? Giving them a wheelchair is step in the right direction that will hopefully open doors to opportunities that were not afforded before. 

The group receives wheelchair user training.



Stairs are always tricky!

That evening we made a makeshift movie theatre. I brought my laptop and small projector. Hope Haven supplied speakers and a white sheet on the wall served as the screen. I brought a few movies I thought they might enjoy (Disney's Frozen in Spanish was a big hit!).

It's difficult to imagine a child or mother who has never watched a movie. I think some of the mothers were enjoying the movie more than their children! Even today it warms my heart to remember the giggles and squeals of their children and their mothers!

 

The next day we loaded the wheelchairs on top of a chicken bus and we all went to the La Aurora Zoo in Guatemala city. What a day!!! The children had never visited a zoo before. They were mesmerized by the monkeys; amazed by the penguins, and loving every minute of it!!





Raul brought his funny face to the zoo!


 

Brad and little Blanca

Mothers :)

Loving her new chair!!!



Princess Hilda!!

Putting their wheelchair training to the test!

__________________________________________________________________

Donations change the lives of children with disabilities all over the world. If 100 people donate just $20 each then 6-8 children will receive wheelchairs. Please visit Wheelchairs for Kids International and learn how you can make a difference; help a child go to school; play with their friends, and just be kids..

Visit: http://kidchairs4life.org/WFKIDonate.html