Community Based Rehabilitation
After living in Central Asia for a year and engaging closely with the local community, I noticed a significant gap in health knowledge. Many people would quickly panic in medical situations simply because they did not know how to respond. For example, if someone fainted, bystanders often felt helpless, unsure of what to do.
Together with our healthcare team, including two nurses, we began thinking about how we could support the community. We wanted to provide knowledge that would not only reduce fear and anxiety but also bring people together and create something sustainable. That is when the idea of a first aid training programme was born—practical, engaging, and easy to replicate.
Since launching the training, we have been invited to different community groups several times, including those for mothers of children with special needs, kindergarten teachers, and mixed groups of people from various backgrounds. The response has been incredible. The interaction during training sessions has been lively, and the hands-on practice has led to a lot of fun and engagement. By the end of each session, people were exchanging phone numbers, strengthening community connections.
One of the most memorable moments for me happened during a break when a participant asked, “Why are you doing this? Why did you come all the way from your home country?” This question was a turning point—an opportunity to share the deep love in our hearts that motivates us to serve.
Through this training, we are not only equipping people with life-saving skills but also fostering a sense of community, trust, and openness. It has been a privilege to see how something as simple as first aid can bring people together and open doors for deeper conversations.
Truth Boost
In spring 2023 we partnered with another NGO. Their local staff were running a centre in the old city for children with learning disabilities.
They wanted to integrate children with physical disabilities and asked our physical therapist (PT) and our occupational therapist (OT) to work specifically with these children.
A Family Effort
Perseverance is one of our five key priorities at Operation Mercy. In our city, we often meet children and families who have endured immense hardship — through war,
First Aid Training Programme
After living in Central Asia for a year and engaging closely with the local community, I noticed a significant gap in health knowledge. Many people would quickly panic in medical situations simply because they did not know how to respond.
Receiving Help, Taking Responsibility
Amantur lives on a small farm in Kyrgyzstan that is quite remote, lying between two villages.
Empowering Mothers
“It is so important that you know your rights!”
Trading Shame for Acceptance
So these women continue on, persevering on behalf of the children and their community, sharing a love and passion that grows warmer with time and over many more cups of hot tea.
Not Just Playing Around
This child was 2 ½ years old and had never walked alone before!
How a Mother’s Life Was Changed
On his own, he began to stand up and to hold himself on the wall.
We Learn Together to Improve Our Lives!
Nazira is a mother of a child with disability, and a new staff of our partner organization. She participated in a training on early intervention for children with hearing and visual impairments.
New Found Confidence
During the last couple of weeks, Ahmed’s gait and posture have significantly improved.
Colours of Hope
A new initiative started at the beginning of the year with the aim of training a group of teenage boys with disabilities in practical skills. By learning to repair wheelchairs,
Standing Strong
Farhad is a bright seven-year-old and the third child in his family. However, unlike his siblings, he has faced significant challenges since birth due to Cerebral Palsy,
Hope Starts in the Small Things
Most importantly, hope is present for Hamidjon because he has a loving mother, who, through our project, is able to experience support and acceptance, receive counselling and process her grief.
Perseverance Brings Progress
Now Rustam can express himself, he is socializing with his peers, and he is participating in the cultural events of the organization. Rustam is ready to go to school!
Schooling Requires Cooperation
Adnan loves school. His mother smiles with pride and says to the Operation Mercy team, “Every day he wants to go to school.” Naturally gifted with a friendly and bold personality,
New Horizons
The view of the horizon from the CBR window is changing. As new life sprouts up and lurches forward around the CBR Center and throughout the villages,
Opening Doors to Equality
Children with disabilities (CWD) are being given the chance to learn at mainstream schools thanks to one of our partner organisations in Tajikistan.
School accessibility is one of the most important components of providing inclusive education and promotion of the rights of children with disabilities.
Training for Local Health Care Professionals
Kangaroo care and skin to skin contact between mother and newborn baby – these are vital practices unheard of in the local Kazakh neonatology hospitals.
Nurturing a Talent
Every child who comes to the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) center in Jordan brings their own unique gifts, personality, and life to our work. As much as we want to grow their potential in areas where they experience challenges,
Each Child is Valuable
“I’ve learnt from you that each child is created by God and valuable, and I want to do my best to love and raise her like you would” she said