November 17, 2019 · Mongu, Zambia
Other-Abled: Shared in Common with a lodge hotel and rehabilitation centre, other-abling is the mission. As children from birth to adults, are aided to learn to aid themselves. Others, tourists and lodge guests, sleep the night at the Lodge, where the profits go to aiding those who need other-abiling.
So is the relationship between Liseli Lodge and the Cheshire rehabilitation centre, operated by the Presentation nuns, in Mongu, Zambia.
Both managed by Sister Cathy, of Ireland, with the help of others, to make other-abiling possible for the children of the community as they grow to adulthood.
With the children being resident, they get 24 hour assistance, from physio therapy, swimming, sports, meals and interaction. For those 3 and under, their parents reside with them, learning how best to adapt with them.
Classrooms provide education in language, maths and other standard school subjects. A garden provides their needs for vegetables. And surgeries assist with Cleft Lip and Club foot, while others ease the issues of muscles, nerves and muscles.
I was impressed with the positive energy of the children, and their engagement with each other.
It was inspiring to see them play sport, as they adapted to their own bodies, to score the same way as others, getting the ball thru the goal. Some of the graduates, are now providers, as they have successfully been other enabled, since 1983.
Once you have enough for your needs, helping others with theirs, is consistent with my ethos. It was an honour to know each night of my sleep here, was helping others, who have challenges to rest better.