Project Report
| Oct 7, 2013
Program Update: Liberia for FY 2013
By Jen Everhart | Program Manager, Africa
![Director of FACORC with two babies with clubfoot.]()
Director of FACORC with two babies with clubfoot.
miraclefeet’s partnership with Faith Clinical Orthopedic Rehabilitation Center (FACORC) in Liberia began in August 2013 after Dr. Augustine Chiewolo received training from Ponseti International Association (PIA) in Iowa. miraclefeet funds most of the operating costs of the FACORC clubfoot program, although the FACORC team generously volunteer their time. 180 children have been enrolled in treatment since miraclefeet started providing financial support to FACORC. Two trainings by PIA-endorsed providers were held for health care workers and lay advocates and discussions have been held with at least 5 hospitals and clinics to create additional satellite clinics around the country. FACORC provides extensive community outreach program via radio publicity, newspaper articles and the training of community outreach workers. FACORC recently engaged in discussions with government officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and received positive responses for developing a national program. The plan is to open three more rural clinics over the next year. We estimate that over 1,000 children total are living with untreated clubfoot in Liberia. We want to make that number a ZERO!
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Jul 30, 2013
Rural Field Workers Now Helping Kids with Clubfoot
By Jen Everhart | Program Manager, Africa
![Rev. Bannie (R) from FACORC & AIFO representatives]()
Rev. Bannie (R) from FACORC & AIFO representatives
Our miraclefeet partners in Liberia at FACORC would like to extend their gratitude to AIFO for affording them the opportunity to increase awareness about clubfoot by training 13 new community-based rehab outreach field workers about clubfoot in Liberia. AIFO is a non-profit organization whose staff members work with disabled children in remote areas of Liberia to improve their quality of life. Because of this training, these field workers will now be able to identify kids with clubfoot, referring them for proper treatment and providing follow-up support to children with clubfoot and their family members.The field workers reported that, prior to the training, they had limited knowledge of clubfoot, including its cause, its treatment and the impact it can have if left untreated. FACORC educated the field workers on clubfoot, its treatment and how the field workers can contribute to successful outcomes for children with clubfoot. Together, the thirteen participants represented nearly each of the fifteen total counties in Liberia. This training will allow lay health workers to participate more actively in identifying and treating clubfoot all over Liberia, spreading the word about how to identify and treat this common disability.
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May 2, 2013
Celebrate Mother's Day with miraclefeet
By Jen Everhart | Program Manager
![Moms at clubfoot clinic in Liberia]()
Moms at clubfoot clinic in Liberia
As many of you have been following the story of Maima and Youkoi, you know that it has been very difficult on not only the 12-year old twins, but also on their family. The twins' parents sturggled to care for two severely disabled children but they were determined to give them the best lives they could. When they heard treatment was available they traveled 8 hours to the miraclefeet clinic.
This week the twins came in for their check-up walking proudly in their new uniforms for school. Their mother, who gave everything to see them successful, beamed at the doctor who changed her and her children's lives forever.
Join us and change a another mother's life.
Now through May 12, GlobalGiving is giving away $5 for every donation made as a gift or in tribute of amazing mothers! That means your donation will go even further to giving the gift of walking to 40 Liberian children.
And GlobalGiving will send a card to recognize the special mother in your life.
Treating children with clubfoot doesn’t just transform a child’s life, it also transforms the mother’s life – especially in Liberia. This Mother’s Day, consider giving a gift in your mother’s honor and help a mother in need. Join us this mother's day as we celebrate the women who walk alongside the children born with clubfoot.![Maima and Youkoi in their new uniforms]()
Maima and Youkoi in their new uniforms
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