By Emma Richards | Development Manager
Dear Friends,
I want to begin by acknowledging the challenges we have faced as a global community over the last few months, both with the COVID-19 pandemic and thank you for your patience and understanding during such challenging times. Since the outbreak and subsequent lockdowns of international borders in March 2020, MAITS has made the necessary decision to postpone all face-to-face programmes for the immediate future.
Despite these difficult circumstances, MAITS continues to support children with disabilities globally. We are doing this by adapting and delivering all our programmes online, so that we can continue to support children who are most at risk of respiratory infection. MAITS has a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable children in resource poor areas are supported through this pandemic. Prevention is critical in ensuring we keep them safe in their own homes.
This includes supporting children most at risk from COVID-19. Children with cerebral palsy can often develop infections which result in malnutrition and even premature death. By learning simple techniques around feeding and positioning, professionals and caregivers are best equipped to meet the needs of their child.
In August 2020, MAITS was thrilled to deliver 20 online training sessions to 30 therapists who are based at Cerebral Palsy, Sri Lanka and Satyr Special School India. These will become MAITS ‘Master Therapists’ ensuring local knowledge and expertise stays within the communities that most need it.
In January 2021, master trainers in Sri Lanka and South India will train an additional 150 community healthcare workers, supporting caregivers and children with disabilities in need of therapeutic intervention. We intend to deliver this in person programme adhering to all COVID restrictions.
We have also just delivered our COVID-19 online training to a further 21 therapists at Kyaninga Child Development Centre, Uganda and 4 from ACELP, Institute of Child Development, Pakistan, who will similarly roll out the programme to 150 community healthcare workers in the field early 2021.
This pandemic presents a unique set of circumstances. Families feel isolated with virtually no access to support. Children who are already vulnerable can experience acute anxiety, resulting in problematic behaviour. MAITS empowers families to develop strategies and practical solutions – a shared approach which results in long lasting partnerships.Our belief is that by embedding the programmes we are delivering sustainable support which will last beyond the lifetime of the project.
MAITS is hugely grateful for all your support at this time. Thank you so much.
With all best wishes,
The MAITS Team.
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