Kathy Bowler's January-March Update!

Happy to get fertilizer!

One of our friends in BC donated the money she would have spent on Christmas presents to some of our most needy families so that they could buy seed and fertilizer to help them get a good harvest. Other families received food packs of beans and maize. The timing of this gift was perfect as the rainy season was just starting. By January many families have run out of food as last year's harvest was not enough!

What a difference a bicycle makes!

Bicycles for Humanity is a new partner for us thanks to a connection with the Chair of the Canadian charity Thrive Malawi. The first 15 of 20 bicycles have been received and are such a blessing to the families that have taken them home! Francis lives in Nambuma, a very remote village about 40 kilometres from our main centre. He is malnourished and comes faithfully with his mother to our Nutrition Program. When his mother received her bicycle she was so happy she danced around in joy!

North American therapy students are choosing COBT for their placements!

In March 4 Doctor of Physiotherapy students from the University of North Texas arrived for their 4-week placement. In April 2 Masters of Occupational Therapy students arrived for 5 weeks. It has been great to have so many extra hands providing therapy to the children.  One member brought special pillows made from material that had been treated so it would repel bugs. These pillows were made by youth at her home church in Texas from material that was donated from a company in Texas. 15 of the children on the Nutrition Program were given the pillows to use at home. These kids were chosen because they cannot brush those nasty bugs away on their own. Many of the Moms have come back to tell us how amazingly well these cushions work!

COBT’s Specialized Equipment and Daily Feeding Programs help the kids!

We are continuing to provide specialized equipment for the children. Our back yard is full of people working to make these important items. At the moment we are concentrating on wheelchairs and specialized seat inserts so that our kids with disability can get out into their communities more easily. Alice got her wheelchair the other day. She will use it to go to the Outreach clinic nearest to her home. Her Mom was carrying her on her back two kilometres to reach the clinic. Now she can come in style!  We are also excited to expand our Feeding Program. All but one of the Outreach Clinics now provides a full protein meal. Before we were only able to give the kids cookies and a drink. So many of the kids are malnourished it is important to give them the extra protein they need to grow and develop! 

Life after Preschool!

So many of our children have exciting stories to tell. Cindy started school in September and is doing really well. She graduated from our Integrated Preschool. Here she is posing in her new school uniform!

Terry goes to the Kauma Outreach Clinic. She faithfully attends the Outreach clinic and comes to our main centre on Mondays for Speech Therapy. She was very proud to show me the other day that she has started walking by herself. Way to go Terry!