This programme aims at building a capacity of volunteers within the community. These volunteers help in reducing the incidences of disabilities and improving the living conditions of people living with disabilities. The programme has two departments: physiotherapy and social rehabilitation that support the work of the volunteers. The departments reach 22 outstations within the community.

Major activities:

• Training and supervision of community volunteers who identify, guide and counsel families and facilitate assistance to their children living with disabilities.

• Medical rehabilitation of children living with disabilities through physiotherapy and facilitation of other medical interventions.

• Social rehabilitation of children living with disabilities by facilitation of enrolment in (special) schools, promoting acceptance in the family and community and by making the children self-reliant.

• Promotion of parent support groups for emotional support and economic empowerment through small enterprise development and provision of micro-credit.

• Awareness creation in the community at large (schools, churches, general public) to promote acceptance of and support to people living with disabilities.

( case study)The story of Nancy

Nancy was born with cerebral palsy, making her physically and mentally challenged. Her mother, feeling ashamed to expose her, always hid her in the house. The life of Nancy changed when she was discovered by a St. Martin volunteer, who counselled the family and made them positively accept this child. Nancy was taken to the physiotherapy clinic, where through exercises she learned how to stand by herself and walk. Nancy has now enrolled in the local nursery school, where she enjoys the company of children.