2008 - Help-for-Hope has raced to help physically and mentally challenged children, ages 0 to 5, in Quito Sur, the poorest part of Ecuador’s capital.

1) NEUROLOGICAL THERAPY UNIT

1. The project

It is estimated that Ecuador counts about 1.5 mio physically and mentally challenged people. Facilities exist to support the development of physically and mentally challenged children from age 5 onwards, but not yet earlier. This early age bracket is an essential stage in preparing these children and their families for more autonomy in their adult life. The Neurological Therapy Unit provides special therapy treatments for early stimulation for these little children, so as to improve their physical and neurological development and prepare them for a more autonomous adult life.

To this aim, the Hospital “Un Canto A La Vida”, with which Help-for-Hope has been collaborating for the past 3 years, had decided to build a facility where these children receive professional medical treatment and are stimulated in their early development.

2. Help-for-Hope's investment

The total cost of the project amounted to USD 22’800. USD 6’150 have been born by the Hospital, USD 6’150 will be raised through contributions from the parents of these children (nominal fee of USD 2 per visit). The remainder USD 10’500 to equip the facility with medical and educational tools have been sponsored through Help-for-Hope.

During the Ironman Zurich, on July 13, 2008, USD 10’500 were raised for the construction of a new Neurological Therapy Unit.

Picture to the right: a group of waving children for whom the Neurological Therapy Unit is destined; Picture taken at the Hospital "Un Canto A La Vida"

3. The results

A very special thanks to the many donors who have participated with much enthusiasm and generosity!! Help-for-Hope had the opportunity to visit the center in December 2008, and the center is now up and running (pictures above and below)!!

Picture above: the new Neurological Therapy Unit at the Hospital "Un Canto A La Vida", fully equipped and functional in December 2008. First children are already being received in the Unit.

Picture to the left: Help-for-Hope visiting the Neurological Therapy Unit in December 2008. From left to right: Mercedes Silva, the Director of the Hospital "Un Canto A La Vida" of which the Neurological Therapy Unit is part of; the Director of the Neurological Therapy Unit, Alexandra, Monica and Stephan Bissig. At the center of the picture, above Alexandra's head, the certificate confirming donation by Help-for-Hope.
 

2) CENTER FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

With the initiative and leadership of Adam, Joanna, George and Matthew Hartley, The BoysScouts of Geneva in Switzerland have chosen to support Help-for-Hope in 2008. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU, BOY SCOUTS!!

1. The project

The ‘Hands-on Unit’ project at the Center for Disabled Children (CDI) in Quito-Ecuador is a specialized learning center. It is part of the Hospital "Un Canto a La Vida" structure and attends to the needs of 80 mental and physical handicapped children from economically poor families.

During 6 hours a day, 11 months of the year children with Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Autism, Brain Paralysis and Mental Challenges have the chance to be stimulated in their development. The center already offers different kinds of therapy treatments for these children. For example, physical, language, musical hydro and hippo therapies plus spiritual and psychological guidance.

The ‘Hands-on Unit’ project will enhance the center by providing additional variety of tools and equipment for the use of the children. More specifically, the project will benefit 30 children in the (CDI) to boost up their motricity levels in order for them to become more autonomous and learn work force skills that will help them towards a more autonomous future.

2. Help-for-Hope's investment

The total cost of this project was of USD 14,000. With the generous support of the Boy Scouts of Geneva, Help-for-Hope has committed to fund USD 10’000, while the remaining  USD 4’000 were funded by the Hospital ‘Un Canto a la Vida’.

3. The results

The Boy Scouts of Geneva were successful and true to their word: they manged to raise the full amount of USD 10’000 to complete the ‘Hands-on Unit’ project at the Center for Disabled Children (CDI) in Quito-Ecuador. Fantastic!!

Help-for-Hope has visited the 'Hands-on Unit' in December 2008. By the time of the visit, the facility was ready to welcome the 'Hands-on Unit', first tool sets were in place and first equipments had been produced. The center has become full operational in mid 2009.

Picture above: first tool sets arrived at the 'Hands-on Unit'; picture to the right: the facility where the Hands-on Unit is being installed; pictures taken in December 2008

Picture to the left: from left to right Mercedes Silva (Director Hospital "Un Canto A La Vida"), Miguel Artola, Director of CDI, and Stephan Bissig, during the explanation of one of the equipments manufactured at the new 'Hands-on Unit'

Picture to the right: from right to left Agustìn Marìn (with crutches) and Wilson de la Cruz, the two co-directors of the 'Hands-on Unit'. Both Agustìn and Wilson are physically challenged themselves and active in sports. Wilson has participated in three Paraolympic games (Atlanta, Sydney and Athens), click here for story.



Picture to the left: commemorative sign on the walls of the 'Hands'on Unit', confirming the donation made by the Boy Scouts of Geneva, through Help-for-Hope. A big THANK YOU to the Boy Scouts, a wonderful deed!!