Helplessness and lack of knowledge can have harsh consequences. Avoidable pain and harm happen. For example, children with cerebral palsy often develop contractures and pressure ulcers that could be avoidable with a little training.  Contractures and ulcers often severely limit mobility and health. The ulcers can be fatal if an infection occurs.  Parents often feel very isolated and alone, unconnected with anyone with similar challenges.

Good news, we’ve connected with a program that can help with both of those challenges. The world-renowned London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine has developed a great initiative to enable mutual encouragement and sharing of information in parent support groups. https://www.ubuntu-hub.org/  Personally I love new words, playing with the sound and meaning. Ubuntu was new to me.  Turns out it’s a Zulu word meaning “a universal bond of sharing.” 

Ubuntu delivers programming which allows primary care providers to participate in facilitated sessions that aim to:

• Promote the wellbeing of children with developmental disabilities and their families 
• Increase their understanding of child development, health, education and their rights
• Help them build on existing skills, and learn new ones
• Increase mutual support
• Bring them in contact with community services and resources.”

Discussion is underway to have a training session in Kenya so Ubuntu groups can be started.  Funds have begun to come in for this!  God is good.  We’re excited about seeing this training in place in conjunction with the public health and assistive technology programs at faith-based health providers who can connect to share hope. If you’d like to help with financial resources to make this possible, you can go to www.atcatalyst.org and click on the “give” button. 

Thanks for reading this and I would appreciate any feedback you may have.

Karen and Phil Rispin