Kyrgyzstan
When seven-year-old Fatima first walked into our Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Center in Tokmok with a diagnosis of Down syndrome, she was like a little storm. She was bright, fast, and impulsive. Every “I don’t want to” or “I can’t” quickly turned into tears, frustration, and sometimes even clenched fists. Keeping her seated at a desk for more than five minutes felt impossible — the moment we turned away to grab a teaching guide, she was already gone.
A year and a half later, Fatima is eight years old, soon to be nine — and she is a completely different child.
Her notebooks are far from perfect. Letters dance across the page, and her handwriting is uneven because of fine motor challenges. But she writes. She confidently picks up a pencil, patiently traces lines, practices shapes, and bravely tries to write on her own. She draws her own little worlds. Step by step, we have brought order to the chaos: today Fatima knows all the basic colors and numbers and eagerly solves logic tasks she once avoided. Every small victory fills us with joy.
Reading has become another magical breakthrough. Fatima didn’t just learn letters — she discovered the wonder of how they come together. The moment she independently blended letters into a syllable and realized she had created a word, her eyes lit up with pure happiness. Slowly and gently, we are moving from recognizing individual letters toward the beautiful heights of meaningful reading.
But the most powerful transformation happened within her. Fatima learned to communicate instead of fighting. Outbursts were replaced by attempts to explain her feelings, and restlessness gave way to curiosity and engagement. We are still on this journey.
Receiving Help, Taking Responsibility
Amantur lives on a small farm in Kyrgyzstan that is quite remote, lying between two villages.
New Life for Abrahim
Nine-year-old Abrahim, who lives with cerebral palsy, joined the horse therapy program earlier this year together with his grandparents. When they first arrived, his grandfather, Eleman,
Chairs for Children
Positioning and proper support for children with disabilities is important for their development
Discovering the Greatest Needs
Staff from our partner organization are reaching out to a Roma community in the south of Kyrgyzstan.
Mothers’ Meeting
Many mothers of children with disabilities live in deep isolation.
Our Life is not Our Own
Many mothers of children with disabilities experience significant isolation, as caregiving responsibilities often keep them at home for extended periods. These mothers report feelings of suspicion,
Overcoming Maternal Health Misconceptions
Educating disadvantaged communities about their health does not only prevent illnesses and improve their wellbeing, but it can also save lives.
The View Changes
After a couple of sessions on the back of a gentle horse, Jamal now rides with a smile on his face.
A New Chair
She really enjoyed her new chair and even after this very short time, it was recognisable that her body posture had already been improved.
Breathing Through to a Safe Birth
Beka’s story is a powerful reminder of how knowledge, preparation, and confidence can transform the experience of childbirth. Through simple, practical education, women like Beka are empowered to face one of life’s greatest moments with strength and peace.
Not Just Playing Around
This child was 2 ½ years old and had never walked alone before!
Quality Health Videos
All of these health conditions have multiple underlying causes, but poor dietary habits are high among the risk factors.
Grateful Families
The parents of these children hosted a celebration to say thank you to our partners who have helped their families.
What a Difference a Chair Can Make!
Adaptive equipment can make a big difference in a child’s life!
A Doula’s Impact
Mahabat had infused that young woman with encouragement and confidence that she could do it, and together they did!
Changing the Trajectory
Danior used to be angry all the time. He was quick to attack and hit the other kids at the children’s home. He had reasons to be angry –
Midwives in the Mountains: Education and Coaching for Remote Villages
The three staff workers assigned each of the participants to a coach. They were then given materials and taught how to share what they had learned with others.
Powerful Transformation
When seven-year-old Fatima first walked into our Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Center in Tokmok with a diagnosis of Down syndrome, she was like a little storm. She was bright,
Healthy Eating
The doctors were stunned. “You can’t be improving! No matter how many medications we give you, no matter what you do, you will always have to come to the doctor!
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.