Children at Risk
Aizada was 6 years old when she first came to ride with our partner organization in Kyrgyzstan.
She has Autism and Cerebral Palsy. She has difficulty with her balance and gait, limited speech and social skills. When she first started riding with us, she could not greet our staff, she made no eye contact and she was unable to control her emotions. She would often have an emotional melt down as she wanted to go faster than we were comfortable with.
Gradually Aizada started to be more comfortable with our staff and she helped in the stables. She began to greet us, leave appropriately, and respond to simple commands. The horses helped her with her inner confidence, balance, and concentration and focus during her time riding. When Aizada mounted the horse it was as if all the inner turmoil inside her would disappear and she could experience peace for a short time.
Aizada was in our program for 7 years and now she can ride more independently with supervision. She no longer walks with a limp and her social skills developed to the point where she can now attend school. This is a victory for Aizada, her family and our team!
*name changed
Extra Special Education
Samuel* entered the world with cerebral palsy. When he was about 12 years old, his family sent him to stay at the state institution for children with disabilities.
Therapeutic Friendship
She encouraged the younger girl to keep trying with the horse. Lisa received the encouragement, and her perseverance paid off.
The View Changes
After a couple of sessions on the back of a gentle horse, Jamal now rides with a smile on his face.
Showing a New Way
The staff helped Aygul and her colleagues better understand the effects of CP on the children and ways to increase the children’s mobility.
Hope for Tema
Tema* is our future rapper.
Quarantine Education – A COVID-19 Story
When nationwide shut-down for Covid-19 hit Kyrgyzstan, Nurgul knew she had to find something for the special education teachers she leads to do. So she turned the work furlough into a massive training time.
Supplying Needs
Anna was a good, experienced teacher. But when our education project director, Daisy* approached her to offer work teaching children with disabilities in Belovodski children’s home,
Rich In Education
One of our desires is to help families care for their children with disabilities, and we are so glad to see the growth in Rich!
Victory for Aizada
Aizada was 6 years old when she first came to ride with our partner organization in Kyrgyzstan.
She has Autism and Cerebral Palsy. She has difficulty with her balance and gait,
Positive Pressure
Kamil realized he possessed leadership skills and that he had not been leading in a good way. He resolved to stop pressuring other students to do the wrong things and to try to lead in doing good things.
New Ideas for Special Children
Julia has new energy now in her especially important work!