THERAPISTS' REPORT

Chain Centre Report 2002
The year 2002 will be a year of great achievement in the history of Children with Handicaps Action in Namibia (C.H.A.I.N.) We have achieved greatly especially in the Education area. This vision is lived on a day-to-day basis by our highly trained and motivated staff. C.H.A.I.N. achieved this ear to have 20 children and to assist them to develop to their full potential and adjust to everyday life. A new Combi was needed and the dedicated C.H.A.I.N. committee showed their hard work and commitment to make C.H.A.I.N. one of the best centres for disabled children in Swakopmund.

Progress of children
We close this school year (2002) with 20 children on our list, 17 boys and 6 girls. Their ages range from 2 to 13 year's age. We have Down Syndrome, Spastic-Palsy, Hydrocephalic/Sina bifide, Micrcuphalic, Epilepsy, Language speech and Hearing Impairment and Cerebral Palsy children.
The progress of the children is successful, but more enthusiasm from parents is needed to achieve better development.

We are very grateful for the professional work of the doctors who operated on George Haufiku’s bend feet. Today the little boy can walk by himself.
Jonas Katana is one of our Language, Speech and Hearing Impairments children, with assistance from Clash, we have today a body worn or pocket aid. He makes sounds and learned the sign language.

The children enjoy weekly horse-riding therapy and attend gymnastics sessions. Songs and music take place in daily creative actives.

We receive help from local occupation and physiotherapist twice a week. A children specialist Dr Charmaine van Heerden provides roper assessments and excellent advice. C.H.A.I.N pays the required medications. One child, Dawid Fanuel sadly passed away afar a series of short illnesses.

Activities with the children
Activities included visits to the garden, beach, sea and dunes. The Christmas party is also one of the activities.

Staff
The centre consists of three (3) staff members. We also have a young volunteer from Germany who will be able to assist for six months.

We believe we have done very well, during the year therefore we look forward beyond the best service. I wish to sincerely thank all our parents, C.H.A.I.N. committee for a generous donation and their support during the last eight years.
Special children also deserve the best.

Thank you

Leah Kotungondo
Therapist, C.H.A.I.N centre, Swakopmund