Splish, splash, splosh – children, volunteers, swimming!
Today while at Daktari, we had great pleasure in taking the children swimming. For many this was their first time. They did have a swimming pool at their school a few years ago but this has now been demolished.
The children were aided by the volunteers to swim, splash around and have fun, as well as gentle relaxation enabling their muscles and limbs to be stretched. The warm water allowed many of the children to feel complete freedom from their restrictive limbs, offering muscles the support needed to create gravity defying movements.
Some of the children who do not usually verbalise were being encouraged by two volunteers either side of them to move their arms through the water and say ‘swim’. This appeared to have a positive affect on the children, and also the volunteers who also had a great time.
Hydrotherapy is used to support children with disabilities in their movements and to relax muscles as well as aiding confidence. It also has a therapeutic effect when relaxing in the water, allowing their body to float. By stretching muscles in water, physiotherapists use this to aid relaxation of tight muscles and to use stretching movements. It also allows children to move their limbs more freely in the water. The children from Letaba school were able to kick their legs, enabling them to move with support through the water, they did this on their back and on their front and were also encouraged to use their arms.
The pool was filled with excitable faces and immense glee from bouncing balls being thrown back and forth across the pool. The children all appeared to be happy with excitment and laughter filling the area.
By beryl lane, March 23, 2010 @ 11:21 am
Lisa, it was wonderful to see you and the work you’re doing, bringing happiness and hope to children who have suffered or are still suffering. They love you, of course they do – you are a ray of sunshine.
Congratulations on your marriage to Alistair (Al) and also the brilliant work you’re doing
Much love Beryl
By grandma, March 28, 2010 @ 5:40 am
You all look like you are having a wonderful time. Well done to everyone.xxxxxx
By Ian and Michele - Daktari, April 19, 2010 @ 6:56 am
We are so proud and honored by your visit with the children. We hope you will make use of Daktari as many time as you wish. It’s a pleasure for us to give so much happyness to less fortunate than us. Thank you for coming all that way to help children in need.
Lots of love – Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage