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Stories From The Field

Kenia

When Kenia joined International Child Care's Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program three years ago, she could do nothing for herself. At four years old Kenia could not dress herself, use the toilet or even feed herself. Her family thought that she was helpless due to a congenital birth defect that had left her without an opening in her left ear, impaired mobility on the left side, the inability to swallow solid foods and unable to speak. At the same time, Kelvin, her five year old brother, struggled with severe behavioral difficulties. He lacked any attention span and fought constantly with other children. He was also dangerously aggressive, keenly able to manipulate their mother, Daysi.

Thankfully, Daysi was able to turn to International Child Care for help. Altagracia, one of ICC's Community Based Rehabilitation health promoters, began visiting the family every week and teaching Daysi how to assist her children developmentally. Daysi was able to learn good parenting skills which helped her control Kelvin's aggressive rages and stop his manipulation. International Child Care is currently working to have Kelvin enrolled in a school for children with learning disabilities where his education can continue in an environment suited for his special needs.

Today, due to the CBR program, Kenia can now walk independently, use the bathroom, and feed and dress herself. Although she still does not speak, Kenia is a quick learner through imitation. Currently, ICC is working to have Kenia evaluated by doctors in Santo Domingo who specialize in birth defects. A specialist's evaluation could lead to additional treatment for Kenia, greatly improving her standard of living, as well as provide important genetic information to the family as Kenia has two cousins with similar birth defects.