Therapy for 30 disabled children in rural Moldova

Thanks to generous donations from the GlobalGiving community, we have been able to employ a speech therapist to provide vital support to children with special needs in our region.  Samuel is one of the children who we have been able to help.  Seeing him thriving and making progress, we are very grateful to everyone who helps us keep these services going.

Samuel, a 9-year-old boy with Down syndrome, from Calarasi, is absolutely full of energy and curiosity. He is a cheerful, affectionate and curious child. He loves horses and could spend hours looking at pictures of them or listening to stories about horse adventures. We can see that he has leadership skills: he communicates with the other students with gestures or sounds, and he wants to be understood and appreciated. During games, he likes to be listened to, and when he feels that someone is paying attention to him, he gets even more excited. 

Due to his disability, Samuel experiences challenges in communication and social interaction. To develop his skills, he needs speech therapy, educational activities and behavioral support, which fortunately we have been able to provide for him since 2020.  In 2022, he started school in the 1st grade, which representedan important step in his development. At the center and at school, he learns to communicate more effectively, express his emotions, needs, preferences and interact with other children. 

Samuel's progress is visible: he has learned to use more words and gestures to express his wishes, he is more attentive and involved in activities. His family is proud of him and supports him every step of the way.  The teacher and specialists from the "Dorinta" center are impressed by his effort and desire to learn. His fellow students have learned that Samuel is a special child and very kind.  They all get on very well with him.  

To continue paying our speech therapist until the end of the summer term, we need $3,100 (or £2,500).  Coming up, GlobalGiving has another one of their fantastic Little by Little matching campaigns.  If you'd like to contribute so Samuel's care (and the other children at our centre), then 25-28 of this month is the time to do it.  Starting on Tuesday 25th March, GlobalGiving has four days of matching.  They will add an amazing 50% to donations of up to $50 (£39).  If you are a UK taxpayer, you can still claim gift aid, so a donation of £39 would be worth £68!  Matching funds may run out, so we encourage you to give early if you would like to.  You'll find a link to the terms and conditions below.

Links:

• Terms and Conditions for the Little by Little campaign