By Katherine J Gau | Director, Vusumnotfo
Several years ago we first had the opportunity to introduce Shonaquip posture support and mobility devices to Eswatini.
Manufactured in South Africa for rural African realities, the critical component is the process of assessment, fitting and review so as to ensure that a child is and remains positioned properly.
Each child needs to be assesed by a qualifed physical or occupational therapist who is trained in seating. This assessment is used to prescribe the correct type and size device.
The fitting process customizes the cushioning to the specifics of each child. This is particularly important for children with cerebral palsy.
Once a child is properly positioned they function better at all levels. Plus people engage with them in a more constructive manner that sets up a positive cycle of interaction that benefits both the child and the care giver.
Shonaquip devices are manufactored for 3 years of growth, so adjustments should be made every 6 months.
Once a child has outgrown the adjustments, we collect the device to be matched and refitted to another child.
This is where your GlobalGiving support is critical as while project based funding may cover the costs of assessment, devices and fitting, it does not cover follow up costs past a short time period.
Thank you for the support that helps us make this happen.
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1. Early Childhood Programme - tackling insufficient understanding of how young children develop and learn, and factors that influence this.
1.1. Parenting - Provide structured support to a set number of children with special needs at family level - to link familles to medical and technical services; to train and mentor families in the care and stimulation of children with special needs; to support relevant home improvements; to expand capacity of family caregivers; to support social inclusion at community level; to share positive results at national level.
Our “mini model” strategy is aimed at creating positive examples in the rural area that motivate national entities to develop integrated systems for early identification and intervention for children with special needs.
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