By Sarah Bamber | Fundraising and Communications Manager
In June, Paralympian wheelchair sprinter, and Team GB representative Anne Wafula Strike visited HHA’s respite home, which provides a programme of specialised care including physiotherapy, education and development to more than 40 children living with disabilities in some of the poorest communities in the Western hemisphere.
Anne spent time speaking in communities where a huge stigma is attached to children with disabilities; children like Esther, who was found on a rubbish dump in the city and brought to HHA by a local government worker, and 3 year old Jeffie, who has hydrocephelus and severe learning difficulties. Jeffie lives in one of the poorest areas of the city and is supported by HHA’s Community Based Rehabilitation team. Her family have been victims of heavy abuse in the community because of a lack of understanding about her condition and a stigma associated with disability that gives rise to fear and rejection.
The HHA team have worked in Haiti, visiting schools, churches and groups to help raise awareness and understanding about disabilities so that Jeffie and others like her can find acceptance and nurturing instead of rejection and abuse. Reflecting on her time in Haiti, Kenyan born Anne commented: “It’s been a very powerful
experience visiting Haiti Hospital Appeal and seeing how people are being given a new lease of life.”
We can’t explain how grateful we are to you for supporting this work with your kind donations. It is very exciting seeing the dream becoming a reality, and that simply would not be possible without your continued support. With staff and patients to support, we are in real need of more regular donors, individuals or groups who would be willing to contribute towards this work on a monthly basis. Please spread the word about HHA, and continue to support us in whatever way you can. ‘Like’ our Facebook page or ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more news and updates.
We hope that this update will again inspire you, reminding you of the difference you have made to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in Haiti. Thank you.
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