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PROJIMO has an agreement with the children. The first toy they make is for
the rehabilitation center or for a particular disabled child. The second toy they
make they can take home for a younger brother or sister. In this way PROJIMO
and the school children also contribute to the development of non-disabled
children in the village.
School children making toys.
Mari, one of the rehabilitation workers
at PROJIMO uses one of the child-made
toys to test the ability of a girl who is
developmentally delayed.
Another advantage to the children’s workshop is that it provides experience, fun,
productive activity, and skills training for visiting disabled children. Thus a child
who needs to spend a few days in the village, while a brace or limb is being fitted or
a joint is being straightened, can spend part of his free time in the workshop.
The orthopedic workshop is not strictly off-limits for the children. Occasionally a
child who proves to be a responsible and serious worker will be allowed to help in
the ‘adult workshop’—perhaps helping to make crutches, braces, special seats, and
other orthopedic equipment. But to gain working privilege in the big persons’ shop,
a child must usually first prove himself in the children’s workshop. This helps reduce
problems. But, of course, some problems do occur—as with any community action that
is worthwhile.
Guiding and coordinating the children’s workshop (we prefer ‘guiding’ to
‘supervising’) is an important job. It can be shared by different persons: rehabilitation
workers, volunteer village craftspersons, or even some of the older, more responsible
children as they gain experience. What is most important for such a coordinator
is (a) that she like children, (b) that she be able to provide direction and keep order
effectively without being bossy, and (c) that she be very patient.
Whether parents of visiting or local disabled children are invited as coordinators or
helpers in the children’s workshop can be decided depending on the particular parent
and child. Some parents do a fine job. It may be an opportunity for a parent to relate to
and work with his child in a completely new way. However, some parents may continue
to overprotect and over-direct their own child or other children in the workshop. Many
children need a chance to do and make things with other children independent of their
parents’ supervision or help. For such children, it may be best not to ask their parents to
be present in the workshop.
Disabled village Children