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There is Hope for Shiva

The first time I saw Shiva was when she came to the Anugrah Intervention Centre for assessment. I knew from her smile that she was full of energy and wanted to learn and do more.

Shiva has cerebral palsy and lived with challenges that made everyday things harder to do. She started having head control at the age of three years, but cognitively understood quite a few things.

It’s been six months now since I have been working with her and Shiva is doing so well. She can now roll on her sides, can sit for a few seconds by herself, and is making a lot of sounds and says few words like ‘dede’. She recognizes common objects and indicates for toilet. She is also a very emotional girl.

Her parents also have had a change of attitude - I still remember her mother saying that she will not improve, and now her mother has learnt to celebrate when Shiva learns small things. Shiva has the ability to learn. She has a modified chair at home in which she sits and feeds herself. She also has a standing frame in which she can stand with support.

Shiva will be coming to the Anugrah Intervention Center with her mother for a week. Anugrah is an intervention centre for Children with special development needs. It provides special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and clinical services to about 135 special children. Community based rehabilitation is also provided to children in their homes through animators. At present, Anugrah has a trained and dedicated team of professional workers, supported by consultants from the Herbertpur Christian Hospital. Anugrah will give Shiva the opportunity to play and learn with other kids and will also give her parents a chance to see other parents and children.

I hope to see Shiva sit independently, eat by herself, communicate at least a few words in another few months. I don’t know what the future holds for her, but yes, I believe that Shiva if taught, will progress very quickly. It’s been a privilege to be part of their family and Shiva has taught me so many things.

Kripa Varghese is the Occupational Therapist with Anugrah. She manages the Community Based Rehabilitation activities of Anugrah Centre. Community Based Rehabilitation is provided to those children in the target villages, who cannot come to the centre.

Transformation Stories

Nirmala, living in village Mayapur was from a poor family. She had to struggle for meeting the daily needs of her family. The total members in her family are six and her husband also works as a laborer. His earning was not sufficient to run the family. Around 1 ½ years ago a self help group was formed. In the beginning Nirmala was very nervous and afraid to become the member of the group because she thinks that they will take money and run away.

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Transformation Stories

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