It was a lively reunion in Southern Sun, when DISA members met again after a two months winter/summer break. We were especially glad to find two new members in our midst: Daniel Bezuidenhout and Liz Murray. A warm welcome to both of you!
In the official part of the meeting we discussed our membership strategy as well as upcoming social and fundraising events planned for the second half of the term 2019-2020:
An
Open Door event will be organized
September 24, and our main yearly fundraising event, the
Musical Sundowner, November 16.
Taekwondo & Tai chi classes will take place Thursdays starting September 5, with some new exercises Chau has come up with to keep us all fit. And there will be cooking classes, coffee mornings and visits to interesting place
s, of course. We'll keep you posted!
Project Speaker: Mr. Kenneth Habaalu, Director of APTERS
As speaker of the month we were happy to introduce Mr. Kenneth Habaalu from APTERS (Appropriate Paper Technology), a project that has been supported by DISA for many years. With our latest donation of materials they were able to produce assistive devices for 15 children.
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| Mr. Kenneth Habaalu (on the right) with his co-worker Mr. Thomas Mwiya |
The organization was set up in 1990 by Mrs. Hinchcliff, a physiotherapist, and the then British High Commissioner's wife. Using what she considered the cheapest recyclable material - paper - she got Kenneth Habaalu and Darius Banda to join her in a project that would ultimately change the lives of children with cerebral palsy.
Since those early days APTERS has been using paper-based technology techniques to make mobility aids for disabled children, e.g. those with cerebral palsy or birth injuries. The made-to-measure equipment includes standing frames, special chairs, wedges and walkers.
Furthermore, the organization offers economic and personal empowerment to the members of the APTERS team, who are physically challenged, through regular paid employment.
The organisation has no government funding but is self-sustaining, funded privately by e.g. various embassies, companies and organisations.
As a means to raise extra funds, they also make various papier mache products such as dustbins, toys, trays, magazine stands, necklaces, etc. which are available for sale to the public. You can find them at the Dutch Market every last Saturday of each month. And we were happy to find them at Southern Sun after our meeting - as you can see below!
