Thuso Centre for Multiple Disabilities
The Thuso E Tla Tsoakae Community Handicapped School was founded in 1985 and is the only special needs centre in Lesotho that caters only for multiple disabilities. There are currently 43 children at the Centre, some of whom board and some live locally. They are encouraged to become self-reliant whilst receiving the academic basics such as maths and literacy, plus health and physical education and skills such as sewing, knitting, pottery and agriculture. The Centre also works with the children's parents, giving them more information on disability and advising them on how to communicate effectively with their children.
The Centre used to be in a state of extreme disrepair with no specialist facilities for the children, but we have now renovated the Centre, transforming it into a first class specialist centre for disabled children. There is now a security fence, pathways and ramps; all the rooms have been refurbished, equipped and insulated and a new septic tank and ablution blocks have been built. Electricity and plumbing have been installed; there is now a specialist playground and a new kitchen.
The quality of life here for the children has improved in every way; they now live in a secure and comfortable environment, with the facilities that they deserve.
Working closely with the Ministry of Education we are working to expand our support to build a new Assessment Centre and Community Hall, more accommodation for teachers and volunteers; this will also be used to provide respite for parents.
All children are now weighed and measured. Nutritional assessments have been completed and a new menu is in place. Individual children are also supported with supplements. All children have had a medical assessment and been given a meningitis vaccine.
Read more about our work at Thuso here
© Sentebale 2011