When a massive flood hit the North West of the country, our team was able to visit and make connections with families and centres with children with disabilities. The team has had opportunities to make short visits a few times for follow up and further training.
Entering into an established community is a delicate task. As our team visited a centre where the staff work with children with special needs, our goal was to support and not to dominate. We desired to partner and not to shame. Yes, we have knowledge and skills, but so do the staff, who have decades of experience. They also stay when we have to leave after our brief trip.
We spent a few days interacting with the staff, listening to a lesson about oral hygiene, and spending time with the kids. This gave us small opportunities to understand the culture of the centre, the experience of the staff, and the needs of continuing education.
As I began my training for the staff on how to use visual materials to support speech and language development, I started by affirming the care and the good work that I saw in the staff. I shared with them how I see them bringing dignity to children who are often disregarded in society. I could see the faces soften as I shared with them how I see their heart and love for these children. I reiterated our goal of partnering together to support these children.
With this foundation in place, I shared practical ways to use visual supports to aid communication development. Within this context of partnership and walking alongside the staff, I was able to demonstrate how the use of pictures can support children with communication difficulties. We are hopeful that by establishing this foundation of partnership, we have provided a small but meaningful tool to this community; one that can increase their capacity and strengthen relationships.
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.
