What Working in Thailand's orphanage for children with special needs it became clear to me that many of these children were often limited by their situation and never expected to reach their full potential. Nicola Anderson, volunteers and specialist trainers funded by 1Step2Step are serving and helping to develop the Portage method in the unit. Portage is designed to support the development of young children with special needs. It uses play, communication and relationships to develop the child's existing skills, one step at a time. We believe that through this training, and with the support of physiotherapy, the children's quality of life and chance to reach their potential should be improved. The project aims to take the children on one tiny step at a time and develop their abilities and so this why it is called 1Step2Step.
Who Children with special needs, particularly those with cerebral palsy.
What can you do Nicola's work needs prayer, volunteers and financial support. To give by credit card or standing order/cheque go here. If you'd like more information please go to the 1Step2Step website.
Seeing this group of over seventy children in one big room lying on mats, cared for by six busy staff, you are taken aback. There was hardly any opportunity to play or interact because the basic needs of the children take all the carers’ time. The need for play and learning had to come as a lower priority. However if you focus in on each individual child and see some with a sparkle in their eye, you connect with one or two and find they have a captivating nature and a great sense of humour.
We at 1Step2Step wish to connect with these children and help them reach their full potential. This could be through directed play, which teaches them new skills like feeding e.g. by playing games that improve spoon control for example. It's well known that children learn through play, and 1Step2Step aims to give the children that time for individual attention.
As you mix with the children your heart is gripped and you know you will never forget them. It breaks your heart to think these children will live in this room without families, schooling or the chance to develop into citizens living in the 'Land of Smiles'.
At 1Step2Step we believe that these children deserve more. Each of them has a life to enjoy just as much as you or I. We think they should have the opportunity to learn, develop, experience and live happy lives. They have the resiliency and determination to succeed when encouraged and supported. 1Step2Step aims to give these children their childhood and hope for the future.
+44 (0)1252 792387
Where
Who
Seeing this group of over seventy children in one big room lying on mats, cared for by six busy staff, you are taken aback. There was hardly any opportunity to play or interact because the basic needs of the children take all the carers’ time. The need for play and learning had to come as a lower priority. However if you focus in on each individual child and see some with a sparkle in their eye, you connect with one or two and find they have a captivating nature and a great sense of humour.
As you mix with the children your heart is gripped and you know you will never forget them. It breaks your heart to think these children will live in this room without families, schooling or the chance to develop into citizens living in the 'Land of Smiles'.