Particular Family: Heart
(January-December 2005)

Centre for social rehabilitation of children and youth with severe mental disabilities that promotes the inclusion of mentally retarded young people into society. Support for the social integration of the disabled youth was provided through weekly sessions with psychologists on issues of self-esteem and emotional development, as well as an educational program called “Help Yourself” that included learning excursions. Activity clubs for disabled children and youth were organized—such as handicraft, drawing, housekeeping, animal and garden tending, construction, singing, and English—and the physical development of the children was promoted through various group sports activities.

A weekly “School for Parents of Disabled Children” was launched under the project. Topics discussed in the group included: healthy lifestyles, how to help a disabled child, adaptation and socialization of disabled youth and children, drugs and alcohol, cooperation skills, etc. Weekly consultations with lawyers and physicians were also provided to the parents.