Medical students in their third year have jumped to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. The students got sponsors for the Emelia Active Learning Centre for children with multiple disabilities in Batho outside the city to renovate and intensify the safety at the Centre.
They urged community members to take ownership of Emelia to ensure that the care centre's doors stay opened. Emelia now also has an armed response unit and the care centre's existing alarm system and fire extinguishers were checked. The home's leaky roof is repaired and the lobby renovated .
In addition, children need no longer wash in cold water, for a water geyser was installed. Gutters and broken windows were replaced or repaired. The prospective doctors also included nutritional supplements and nappies worth R6000. They spent time playing with the children and letting them exercise.
This community project is part of their study. The students say they are not proud, but grateful for everything done for Emelia.
"It was nice to be able to give. The children stir a man's heart." The entire project is dedicated to the Lord. "You can not do this alone, it was in God's hands."
It was very important for the students to call on society to remain engaged in Emelia. The students also wrote a letter to the medical faculty to ensure that a group of medical students will be allocated to Emelia every year.
The Emelia Active Learning Centre for Children with Disabilities
The centre is situated in Batho location and serves the parents and children living in this area. It is a day care centre and 16 children are cared for on a daily basis. It enables the parents to work and earn an income while the children are cared for in a safe environment.
The active learning model is based on the development of an environment where a child with disabilities can reach their full potential. The staff at the centre teach the children skills through the use of play activities. Play forms a natural part of the child’s development and is an enjoyable form of learning. A child can explore and discover things through play activities. A child with a disability needs extra help in order to play.
What is active Learning?
- Teach the child skills through the use of play activities.
- Play forms a natural part of the child’s development and is an enjoyable form of learning.
- A child can explore and discover things through play activities.
- A child with a disability needs extra help in order to play.
- Right position and posture while playing is essential.