Social Inclusion Programme: Knocking Down Barriers through Sport & Leisure 
- Award Entered:
Best New Project - Parent Organisation:
- Project Host Nation:
Zimbabwe - Overview of Project:
Based on pilots in Kenya and Zimbabwe, S4S has developed a unique concept to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities (CWD’s) and their families. S4S starts with identification and assessments (socio-economical, medical, educational) of CWD’s (0-25 years). The CWD’s take part in weekly integrated and adapted sport activities in their suburbs with able-bodied peers, on open venues to raise awareness to the public, after which they have discussions on disability and HIV/AIDS topics. Parallel to this parents are organised in Parent Support Groups (PSG’s) where they learn about disabilities and take part in Income Generating Activities (IGA’s). Members of the PSG’s are trained to organise the sport sessions to ensure sustainability. Once a month the CWD’s have physiotherapy, while the parents get trained to continue the exercises at home. The sport activities are a portal for S4S to identify and assist in the needs of the CWD’s for educational assistance, medication, corrective surgeries and assistive devices. Sport activities are tools to increase social cohesion between CWD’s and able-bodied peers, raise awareness, assist parents in taking care of the CWD.
Comments
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Willemijn Krebbekx: 22 Jun 2010 - 13:00 BST
This project deserves to win because of its inclusionary activities and planned approach in contributing to health and well being. Willemijn Krebbekx, Public Health Researcher
J.Haverkamp: 09 Apr 2010 - 08:37 BST
S4S improves the quality of life with a personal assessment for children and their parents.
Bernard de Vugt: 09 Apr 2010 - 07:37 BST
I think this projects is winner, both on the short term and in the long run. Not only the disabled children benefit, but also their parents and family. The wellbeing of the children throws his light over the all family. As a rather small organisation S4S impressed everyone with his achievements so far. S4S deserves your vote !
Alec Taylor: 08 Apr 2010 - 17:44 BST
The programme is reaching out to many children living with disabilities. The concept S4S has developed is unique and is an all inclusive concept, both in terms of participants and project activities. Using adapted & integrated sport and leisure activities to start parent support groups, individual child support, therapy and income generating projects goes far beyond sport!