A new community day care center has opened its doors in June 2013 to offer special education and life skill services for 15 children and youth with disabilities in Talor commune, Pursat Province.
This project resulted from the field assessment done by Aide et Action and its local partner, Disability Development Service Program (DDSP), showing of the strong needs of services to improve the situation of people with disabilities. Poor hygiene condition and malnutrition prevail in that area.
Located inside the primary public school, the center provides rehabilitation services, physical therapy, special education and reading activities for children and youth with disabilities. In addition, two nutritious meals are also provided to all children. The activities both decrease the charge of families and ensure good care for all children in a friendly environment. Furthermore, the project improves the relations between handicapped and other children, as well as with the community by raising awareness about the basic rights of people with disabilities creating the base for a strong understanding and integration.
“This is a former land mine area. There are many children and youth with disabilities who lack an understanding about danger of mine and hygiene and nutrition. It is hard for them to get access to adapted services as it is far from the downtown. I am delighted to see this center as it can improve their condition”, said Mr. Yen YAM, chef of Talor commune.
Lacking funding, the center can currently only accept 15 most marginalized students. However, in the future, the associations want to invest more to develop the infrastructure and services to other people with disabilities to guarantee a quality education and integration for all children in the region. “Now, we are working hard to get more funds from individuals and institutional sponsors or donors to enlarge these services. Of course, the local contribution is really needed”, told Mr. Prasith CHIN, Senior Communication and Sponsorship Officer of AEA.