Spring 2010 Updates
Submitted by editor on Wed, 03/24/2010 - 21:34.
Greetings, friends and supporters of Niapele!
Our programs in Liberia have been going full tilt this year - our community partners have been enthusiastically implementing the programs which we spent most of 2009 designing and developing together. We're happy to share some updates about the Happy Family Center for Children with Disabilities, an initiative born out of the desire of two parents and former refugees whose son lives with cerebral palsy to provide a place for children with disabilities to grow, learn and develop their autonomy.
- The Happy Family Center for Children with Disabilities (HapFam)'s permanent facility was inaugurated on December 11 2009 in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia
- Since December 2009, Mayaedeh Kemeh-Gama, a Liberian national trained in special education in the United States, is working as a consultant for HapFam and joined its board of directors
- HapFam is the first and only center specifically dedicated to serving the needs of children with disabilities in Liberia
- As of March 2010, HapFam welcomes 14 children (ages 2 to 18) with various disabilities, from Monday to Friday
 HapFam kids drawing "Thank You" notes for local and international donors - HapFam provides a safe and welcoming environment in which these children to develop their physical and mental abilities. In addition, HapFam provides a nutritious daily meal, thanks to the School Nutrition Initiative, Niapele's flagship program
- HapFam is completing its registration as an NGO with the Government of Liberia and as a service provider with the National Union of Disabled Organizations - this will allow the organization to grow and have easier access to critical resources
- In March 2010, representatives from Handicap International visited HapFam to discuss potential program synergies - the children were invited to visit the local hospital's rehab unit for a medical evaluation and to receive new assisted living devices (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
Niapele is a proud supporter of HapFam - our ability to assist HapFam in its mission depends on your generosity
Consider making a tax-deductible donation today
Stay tuned for details about upcoming events in the Los Angeles area!
|
