Therapy room at Suiderhof disability centre upgraded to improve children’s motor and cognitive skills
It was a day of rejoicing for the children of the disability support centre in Windhoek’s Suiderhof suburb when the German Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission, Mrs Ellen Gölz, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the newly-equipped therapy room.
The Suiderhof facility is one of the Child Intervention and Disability Support centres where around 25 disabled children are nurtured in a learning environment. The therapy room is a key feature of the centre’s ability to help the children improve their motor and cognitive skills.
A grant of just over N$115,000 from the German Embassy under its micro-project fund, was used to upgrade the therapy room with special equipment and a soft floor covering. Every day, therapists use this facility to help the children develop their muscles for improved mobility.
As part of the general upgrade, a number of therapeutic toys were also acquired. These toys, comprising medicine balls, smaller massage balls, swings and Educo discs help the children to develop their motor skills, improve their balance and their motion, all in a playful environment. Another item, an interactive smartboard helps to develop fine motor skills and improves spatial perception.
A special success story is that of a child bound to a wheelchair. By exercising and strengthening his muscles daily, he can now stand on his own and move his legs without help.
