On the outskirts of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, children with disabilities from the city and surrounding villages attend therapeutic horse riding. Our partners are focused on horse therapy work with trained horses to help children with special needs such as cerebral palsy.
The parents of these children hosted a celebration to say thank you to all our partners who have helped their families. There was food, gifts, and of course, speeches. The parents took turns describing the impact that this project has had on their family.
One parent said, “Every time we go to the doctor or other therapists, they scold us, shame us and give us false promises that never come to fruit. You have shown our children genuine love and care without asking for money.”
A father added, “When I come to therapy, I breathe the fresh mountain air and relax because I know my son is in good hands. I always look forward to coming and we see real progress in our children.”
A tearful mother said, “The first time I came one of the workers greeted me with a hug. Afterwards I asked what we owed her, and she said, ‘Nothing,’ I was shocked.”
Someone else shared, “So many times people forget that we (the parents) need help too! You always treat us with dignity and respect rather than shaming us”.
And another mother added, “When you told me that [the disability] was not my fault, I didn’t know what to do with my feelings because everyone else said it was my fault. When you explained what cerebral palsy is, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my back.”
Everyone had something encouraging to say and our partners were crying along with the parents. Our partners then shared how honored they were to work with these children and their families.
