File picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency(ANA)
A MULTIMILLION-rand capacity building project aimed at assisting children living with disabilities in the Northern Cape was launched by the Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT).
The CEO of the SIOC-CDT, Vusani Malie, said the project was launched in celebration of Disability Month, which runs from November 3 to December 3.
Malie said the trust is working in partnership with the provincial Department of Health to ensure that there is support and assistance for community members who have children living with a disability.
“Implemented by the Uhambo Foundation on behalf of SIOC Community Development Trust, the project is delivering capacity building programmes, training, support services, resource development, awareness raising, advocacy, lobbying and policy development to support the empowerment of children with mobility devices,” said Malie.
“The provincial Department of Health rehabilitation team identified an increase in the number of children with cerebral palsy and an increased need to support young children with early child development (ECD) disabilities in the Province.
“The Uhambo Foundation’s experience in the rural parts of the Province also identified a significant gap in community disability awareness and an understanding of resources or the need for early intervention.”
Malie said the project will assign and provide the required resources to assist the beneficiaries.
“The multimillion-rand investment targets the entire Northern Cape province, supporting the department’s efforts, and will capacitate the current team of 38 therapists at the Department of Health over a three-year period.
“It will also assist in donating mobility devices for the 149 known children currently on the department's waiting list and 18 identified ECD centres will receive appropriate toys and training on inclusive learning through play for the practitioners.
“In addition, a new therapist outreach vehicle has been sponsored by Kathu Solar Park,” said Malie.
He added that the mobile services will ensure that no child or community misses out.
“By providing outreach clinical services, in conjunction with mentoring the department’s rehabilitation team, children currently in need of services will receive the support they need. The team will also build the skills, experience and confidence to support their needs going forward,” he said.