The overall objective of the project is to improve the quality of life of young children with disabilities or at risk of developing a disability and of their families in and around the city of Cartagena (Colombia) who live in extreme poverty.
The district of Cartagena does not offer special programs providing comprehensive aid to young children with disabilities. It is common for children with disabilities or at risk of developing a disability not to receive any professional attention. During the first years of life, which are critical to the development of the child, the early detection and treatment of disabilities and its first signs are crucial in preventing their further development into a severe problem.
Remedial teachers trained in early childhood intervention attend children younger than 7 years at their homes in weekly sessions of 1.5 hours. According to the necessities of the child with disability or at risk to developing one, the attention consists in stimulating all the different areas of child development (motricity, communication, cognition, perception etc.). Parents are trained in understanding better the special needs of their child to improve the overall quality of life of the family.
Improvement in the overall development of young children with disabilities and progress in the child's self-esteem and major independence in their daily activities. The parents receive important training and knowledge about the necessities of their child, which reduces significantly the risk of rejection, neglect and abuse of the child. Strengthening the child's integration in the healthcare and educational system.
