A #THITalk with Cerebral Palsy Greece, member of Mazi Gia to Paidi (Together for Children Association) – THI Crisis Relief partner

The mission of  Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door is to provide education and rehabilitation to children and adults suffering from cerebral palsy, while simultaneously offering support to their families. Since 1972, Cerebral Palsy Greece have built up a wide range of comprehensive services and programs that include preschool, primary and further education, medical, psychological, social and therapeutic care, vocational training, social integration and temporary and residential hospitality, as well as art programs that have been emulated all over the world.

At the Open Door Centre for Education and Rehabilitation Cerebral Palsy Greece’s doors are always wide open! The primary concern is to provide 240 children and adults, the equality of opportunity to develop and flourish as individuals and to use their experience, skills, knowledge and talents in order to live a fulfilling life and to take their rightful place in society.

Meet Androniki, a 7 year old girl with cerebral palsy. She cannot walk without assistance, but she is bright and possesses verbal speech. She has attended the Open Door Nursery School for the last three years and through her participation in the educational program she has made good progress in all areas. Regarding her educational level she can recognize colors, shapes, sizes, letters and numbers, she is focused and she participates actively and joyfully in all the Nursery School’s daily activities. Regarding her emotional level she has become more social, mature and self-confident and she responds positively to every new experience. She can eat by herself and take care of her personal hygiene.

Thanks to The Hellenic Initiative ‘s support, Androniki has flourished and through the training, education and support provided by the specialized staff of the Open Door Centre, she now possesses the necessary learning skills and ability to move on to the next important stage in her life, that of Primary Education.