gf.me/u/xm2dw2 The National Borey for Infants and Children (NBIC) situated in Phnom Penh, Cambodia provides a home, school and community for 150 children living with disability. All children have been abandoned, so NBIC provides them with a second chance at life. Children predominantly have cerebral palsy, a physical disability from birth that impacts movement and control in their limbs. Most children are affected in all 4 limbs, meaning they are unable to feed, dress, walk and toilet themselves independently.
We have been lucky enough to volunteer as undergraduate occupational therapy students on a global health placement through Projects Abroad. Whilst providing daily therapy, we have seen children learn to independently put on a buttoned shirt, do up buttons, open food packets and develop their writing skills.
A significant area of need at NBIC is toileting and hygiene. Currently the centre has squat toilets that are inaccessible for children with physical disability. As children are unable to walk, they cannot walk to the toilet or squat over it for use. Children therefore crawl into the bathroom and sit on the floor next to the toilet to urinate. This means their bodies and clothes come into contact with a significant amount of urine, that remains wet for the remainder of the day.
Currently we have organised an accessible commode for use, which has enabled 16 children to toilet themselves whilst seated, significantly reducing the amount of urine on the floor and therefore their bodies and clothes. Many children are also able to now use the commode independently. Whilst this has been very successful, it is not a long term solution. The centre does not have funds to install accessible toilets, therefore, we aim to raise funds to install one accessible, disability specific toilet in the centre.
The toilet and bathroom design will be created in consultation with occupational therapists from The University of Sydney who are experts in the field. This will ensure appropriate design and promote use of the toilet.
A donation of any amount would assist in allowing these children to toilet themselves in a clean and hygienic environment, a fundamental requirement to reduce the spread of disease and illness in a centre of vulnerable children. It will also reduce assistance required by staff. We have firsthand experience working with these children and can guarantee that funds are going to a necessary and worthwhile cause. Any additional funds raised will be put towards modifying other elements of the bathroom to make it more accessible (i.e. another toilet or an accessible sink).
Should you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thanks,
Meg Simon and Nicola Futeran
E: nbicbathroom@gmail.com
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