Project “Mereke”

Dara Foundation initiated the "Mereke" project to organise the leisure time of children undergoing long-term treatment in the medical institutions of Almaty. The project's aim is to improve the leisure activities of child patients, and thus make rehabilitation and recovery more effectual. The Foundation runs this project with the following organisations:

• Scientific Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology (Children's department)

• "Balbulak" National Rehabilitation Centre

• Research Institute of Paediatrics and Paediatric Surgery (department of Oncohematology)

These establishments are home to child patients undergoing anticancer chemotherapy, as well as children suffering from organic damage to the nervous system or the mind. 

Many children on long-term treatment in these establishments are practically from birth either confined to a bed, or restricted by the hospital schedule. Their lives revolve around treatments, hospitals and doctors - meaning that many of them are simply deprived of their childhoods. The majority of these children are physically disabled and cannot move unassisted (some have even had limbs amputated). Furthermore, many are from disadvantaged families in remote areas of Kazakhstan. These children get precious little fun and enjoyment out of their lives. Having arrived in Almaty, the children cannot leave the hospital grounds, and at the same time healthcare management regret being unable to provide the youngsters with proper recreational activities to improve their emotional and psychological disposition.

The fund would like to give these children the chance to develop a more positive outlook, to get new emotions that will distract them from the hospital routine. In general for them to have fun, as all children should.

The project also works towards improving the emotional and psychological wellbeing of these children's mothers. The leisure program gives mothers the chance to see their children in a new environment, free from hospitals and hospital procedures. Circus performers coming to visit or a trip to the puppet theatre or zoo are wonderful events for mums too!

As such, the fund has developed a program of leisure activities which includes:

1) Monthly celebration with clowns, animal trainers and other performers. During the festivities children are given gifts and sweets. Thanks to discounts the Foundation receives as well as prudent allocation of resources, the budget is not considerable and many sponsors find it affordable. 

2) Monthly tours (Almaty Zoo, Circus, Puppet Theatre, the sights of Almaty). Tours are only held for children who are able to be transported under medical authority.

3) Equipment of leisure rooms (furniture, appliances, books, DVD discs, toys)

 

Almaty International School has already partnered in this project by providing free buses to assist with transportation.

Dara Foundation invites other organizations and companies to take part in the "Mereke" project.

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