We could talk about similar issues for those that are deaf, blind or with any other disability. It is painful to say, but in Haiti, those with disabilities are most often cast aside. There is a stigma in society that the organization Pazapa is working to change.
About 30 years ago Pazapa began their work to shift the paradigm here in Haiti. Currently around 150 children, with various disabilities, and their families receive services on site. Approximately the same number are serviced in their homes and out in the community. One of the organization's primary goals is to support families of children with disabilities in an effort to keep families together and prevent abandonment.
Classes are held in the morning for many young people and around 15 students are able to attend mainstream schools in the afternoon. Those students that are deaf attend afternoon classes at Pazapa. In addition, there are physical therapy services onsite. A partnership with the local hospital helps educate families about the services offered. The therapist is able to treat children as soon as they are born.
The most meaningful piece of their onsite program is the early intervention services. As we toured the facility we saw mothers and fathers with their young children. A therapy room is set up and parents are instructed on ways to help their children develop and gain strength. What a beautiful sight to watch these dedicated parents with their precious little ones.
After the youth turn 18 they age out of the system at Pazapa. However, they do provide sewing and cooking classes to these young adults and the parents to provide life skills and job skills.
The community education piece is vital to the mission of Pazapa. They work through radio spots and community engagement to encourage acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities.
While we were on site at Pazapa, we created quite a stir. I am sure the teachers loved all the foreigners coming through with cameras and the kids running out to give hugs and high fives. (Note the sarcasm.) However, what joy. What utter joy. I was taking a picture of Beth and a young man that came for hugs. He insisted I wait so that he could tuck in his shirt and look nice. He had a sense of pride that, I know, came from the work that Pazapa did with him.
The greatest wonder of all of this... these are free services that are provided to families here in Jacmel. Because of donations made through HTF and other partners, some of the poorest families in Haiti, are able to receive care and support. WOW!
It has taken 30 years of diligence for Pazapa to bring the community of Jacmel to this level of acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. However, there is still so much farther to go. So much father.
So... for those that have been reading all my posts about Haiti... are you feeling Haiti tug on your heart strings yet?
If not, go back and read all my posts again!!!! And of course, there will be more to come.
If not, go back and read all my posts again!!!! And of course, there will be more to come.
For more info about Pazapa... www.pazapa.org
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