Enhancing Rehabilitation Services for Children with Disabilities in Ndirande, Blantyre, Malawi

About this Project

Building on its work to promote disability inclusion, Step Up Organization will implement a 12-month project that expands access to rehabilitation services for children with disabilities in Ndirande, Blantyre.. With $9,526.90 support from Mudzi Connect, the initiative will fully equip a physiotherapy room with essential devices such as therapy mats, treatment beds, gait training stairs, and parallel bars, enabling over 40 children to access safe and effective rehabilitation. More than 100 assistive devices including wheelchairs, walkers, and standing frames will be distributed to children from low-income households, while at least 40 caregivers will be trained through bi-monthly workshops in home-based rehabilitation techniques. Step Up will partner with the Ndirande Handicapped Center to mobilize families and with Tiyambe Creatives to construct and maintain assistive devices, while training local artisans to ensure sustainability. By improving access to therapy, equipment, and caregiver support, the project will restore mobility, independence, and dignity for children with disabilities, while freeing caregivers to engage in income-generating activities and strengthening household well-being.

In an effort to enhance mobility, independence, and overall well-being for children living with disabilities in Ndirande, Blantyre, the Step Up Initiative has utilized 60% of its project funds to significantly strengthen its physiotherapy services. The initiative has successfully equipped its physiotherapy clinic with essential rehabilitation tools, including treatment beds, therapy mats, therapy balls, gait training stairs, wedges, a trampoline, and therapy rolls. These resources are currently supporting over 30 children who regularly access the clinic. In addition, the project has produced 60 assistive devices, such as adaptive seats, walking frames, and standing frames, which are being distributed to more than 40 children. To ensure sustainability and local capacity, four local artisans have been trained to manufacture customized equipment tailored to children's needs. 

The project is also rolling out training for caregivers and community volunteers in home-based rehabilitation techniques, alongside initiating home visits for children who are unable to reach the center due to financial constraints or mobility limitations. These combined efforts are strengthening community-based rehabilitation and significantly improving the daily functioning and quality of life for children with disabilities in Ndirande.