Africa-Press – Seychelles. Eighty-two children from The Children House Montessori have donated some of their loved toys, books, puzzles and even clothes to the Seychelles Alzheimer’s Foundation (SAF).
The handover of the donation took place in a small ceremony yesterday at the school’s compound at Bel Eau.
All the children were quite excited about this process where they learnt about Dementia and they got to learn that the world is more than their homes and their close families.
A few weeks ago Suzanne Van Niekerk, the acting principal of the school, shared that for the whole of this term, they have been following the different environmental and special days.
“We have been looking specifically at the environment, at sustainability and then talking about recycling, reusing and not wasting any of the resources that we have. Part of the drive was what a previously loved item that can possibly be given away for somebody else to benefit from. At the Montessori school we are trying very hard for the children to be members of the community, so that they do not think about themselves but about the community at large.”
Ms Van Niekerk shared that the Montessori philosophy has been applied quite a lot in the United States and Europe with people with Dementia. They used the manipulative material that are also present at the school and use it with people with Alzheimer and Dementia and it benefitted them.
“So the act of donation from the children is an act linked to start that connection between Montessori and dementia in Seychelles as well and to allow the children to be part of that journey.”
The donations were received wholeheartedly by Lise Church, founder of SAF and Captain David Savy, another founder member.
“This donation in many ways represent a fantastic idea for children to become aware of Alzheimer; and this is very important. I thank The Children House for this initiative. Of course, we always organise bring and buy sales, and these donations will bring us some funding which we are always looking for to help the foundation,” noted Mrs Church.
Mrs Church said dementia does not affect only the person suffering from it but also the families emotionally and financially.
Captain Savy was very happy as he was able to interact with the children where they asked questions and also shared about their own family members.
“The little ones were able to co-relate/connect on what Alzheimer and Dementia were about. They come from an early age and they are becoming aware of the disease and helping us mitigate the situation.”
Captain Savy explained that they are trying to create an awareness of Alzheimer which falls under the umbrella of dementia. “It is something very serious and I think as a country we need to have a national plan to address this disease which does not have any cure. Part of it is understanding what it is so that we can better tackle it and have more compassion towards those affected by it. Part of the awareness is also creating a safety net who cares for those patients as it is very difficult and taxing.”
Statistics wise, Captain Savy said there might be around 2000 to 2500 people living with some forms of dementia in Seychelles. Which is a large number when we compare it to other diseases.
“Remember these people are voiceless and it is for us able people to defend their rights and help the families that have to look after them. We are lobbying very hard with the authorities to have a facility, an institute where we have a memory care home where we can give training and give respite to those families and those people who are suffering from dementia.”
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the handover ceremony yesterday.
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