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Physical Therapist's trip to Karkiv Rybalko Ukraine Orphanage
George (Life2Orphan Ukrainian volunteer) took Herb Hostler (Physical Therapist) to Kharkiv Orphanage 1.
There was a panel set up; the two Docs from Kharkiv 1, a Kharkiv region rehab specialist and Herb. There were about 20 people in attendance.
It was a question and answer period, followed by hands on teaching of techniques. At first, people seemed uncomfortable with pushing the children to try new things, because they would fuss. Someone even remarked that it was unkind to make them try. After they were able to get a non-sitter up and sitting and a non-walker up and walking only holding on to one adult finger, they were thrilled with the techniques.
Herb reports certain participants who were incredibly anxious to learn and very fascinated by the process.
It is a very different theory of working with kids, because it does push kids to work, be challenged and sweat! (There are really cute pics of Herb working with a baby to get him to sit up. After about 4 frames the little guy's head is all damp and sweaty, but he is sitting by himself!)
Herb reports very similar information to what the nurses reported. Eg; the doctors at Kharkiv are well-educated doctors. They have been CDC and WHO trained, are up to date on many practices, resourcesful and committed to their work. Kharkiv 1 is working on becoming a "model" for rehabilitation baby homes. The education the staff is receiving is very good. They are learning computer and English. The physical plant is not beautiful, but the kids are very well cared for. Money and resources are spent directly for kids.
There are pics that George took and they will be posted on the Life2Orphans website.
Herb would be willing to go back again, and Kharkiv 1 has requested continued support from Herb, Nurses and L2O. They are very pleased with this track of assistance.