Help to support the disabled children in Zambia to improve their quality of life on the Disabled Children Care program. During this program you will be assisting in the caretaking of children with mental and/or physical disabilities who’s families are forced to work, and cannot afford caretakers at home.
This project is based in a communal centre and is focused on the families of the village with mentally and/or physically disabled children. The local area has no affordable disabled care facilities, so this project plays a critical role in the livelihood and well-being of those families who simply cannot afford to pay for care. You will help care for the children by playing with them, comforting them, feeding them and helping them to become more confident and sociable.
You will also have the opportunity to be involved with the daily physiotherapy routines of the children, which are important in helping them to develop themselves. The children also love to play games, and often enjoy dancing and singing, art, painting and many other forms of creativity and self expression. Your contribution of creative activities, as well as materials you might like to bring, will be greatly appreciated and warmly welcomed.
Although previous experience working in similar roles is considered an advantage, it is not essential – what is more important is a willingness to get involved and a sense of kindness and compassion.
You can expect to work from Monday to Friday, with weekends free to kick back and relax, or explore the local area. Your specific schedule will depend greatly on the particular placement, and the needs of the family. The schedule may be changed depending on any local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Monday, week one.
On the first Monday, of the first week of your project, you will spend the day being introduced to the project and the staff. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with your surroundings, and you will meet to discuss your upcoming role at the project. During this first day, you will get to meet the children, and discuss with the manager what your expectations are as well as your desired role.
Once you have completed your first day, you will then go on to begin your childrens home placement. This will run for the rest of the week, and all subsequent weeks that you are on the program from Monday until Friday. What you do specifically will depend upon the individual needs at the child’s home at the time. Although you can expect to be carrying out tasks such as playing games, feeding, helping with speech and helping with the child’s posture.