Overcoming Stigma of Disabilities in South Africa

Thanks to a Rotary International Global Grant, we provided support to promote inclusion in the Warmbaths community while also directly supporting children with disabilities at the Huis Talje Chidren’s Home of Warmbaths, South Africa.

Huis Talje is a residential home for 47 children with disabilities. Most of the children have Cerebral Palsy and up until recently spent much of their day in bed or on mats. Huis Talje is a great example of a home or care center that benefits from Uhambo’s holistic approach.

With the grant, 27 children have received new wheelchairs. Not only does this give them physical mobility but it gives them a better opportunity to interact with their caregivers and others. They physically feel better when they are in their customized chairs– you can see this happen instantly as they are placed in their devices! A big smile comes across their faces! Their posture is aligned and they are happy to be upright and with the rest of the world!

This grant laid important groundwork in the Warmbaths community. We plan to apply for a second grant that will focus on extending our work at Huis Talje and reaching into the community even further to create awareness and opportunities for inclusion and provide educational and developmental opportunities for the children to support them in reaching their potential.