Helping children with disabilities fulfil their potential.
Vision: An inclusive and equitable society where children with disabilities thrive, participate and reach their full potential.
Mission: To enhance life opportunities for children with disabilities by delivering quality rehabilitation services and appropriate assistive technology, partnering with families, communities and national systems.
This is achieved by:
1/ Capacity building with care givers in the community, empowering them with physiotherapy skills training, health care knowledge and advice.
2/ The provision of assistive equipment:
a/ Using recycled cardboard to make appropriate paper-based technology (APT) to support children in sitting and standing.
b/ Through purchasing and recycling appropriate wheelchairs to aid mobility.
c/ Through the distribution of donated assistive equipment.
3/ Supporting inclusive education through regular sport and activities for children of all abilities, the provision and maintenance of wheelchairs and enabling environments by promoting positive attitudes and behaviours.
The project is community based, and its outreach program operates across three districts, Maseru, Leribe and Botha-Bothe, with a particular focus on children with cerebral palsy (CP). POP has a holistic approach to its work and is concerned with the physical, emotional, and social welfare of children with disabilities and advocates for children’s rights in all its activities.
Devices and equipment which can help children achieve a higher level of function, independence and mobility.
Using Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APT), POP Lesotho makes assistive furniture using recycled cardboard.
POP Lesotho purchases, recycles, repairs and maintains wheelchairs for children with disabilities.
A small selection of posterior walkers & crutches are available on loan for those children needing assistance with walking with such a device
Improving access to education, supporting opportunities in mainstream schooling and creating positive attitudes towards children with disabilities.
Challenges include poor infrastructure, difficulty accessing education, lack of assistive equipment and opportunities.
1) Child Assessments: Assessed over 500 children with disabilities across Maseru, Leribe, and Botha Bothe districts.
2) APT Workshop: Established a workshop in 2023, funded by the British High Commission.
3) APT Device Production: Trained staff to produce low-cost Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APT) devices using recycled cardboard. 150 APT devices delivered to children since 2023.
4) Wheelchair and Walker Support: Purchased, repaired, and maintained over 100 wheelchairs and provided 10 specialized posterior walkers over the last 20 months.
5) School Infrastructure Improvements: Built pathways at Ha Seleso Primary and Abia High School.
6) Sports and Physiotherapy Programs: Delivered regular physiotherapy, fitness, and sport sessions for children with disabilities at Ha Seleso and Abia High School.
7) Cerebral Palsy Awareness: Raised awareness of cerebral palsy through teacher training and provision of assistive equipment.
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