1. Program "Kangaroo"
The program provides early pedagogical intervention for children with
the following nosologies: cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, mental
retardation, hyperactivity, hydrocephalus.
Group consist of 16 children.
We continue to provide group activities and
individual sessions on an individual program, which was compiled for
each child according to his/her abilities; music lessons with the elements of
play therapy; dance therapy; physical rehabilitation; games.
Children with autism show
positive dynamics, all children have a lot of progress in the self-care
(developing skills to dress and undress
themselves, eat, make beds), show positive results in communications.
Daniel P. and Anastasia S. slowly but steadily
improved their behavior. Diana B. shows skills in productive activity. Dasha C.
is very happy with her success, the child began to decline nouns and use the
pronouns. Dasha B. took her first steps.
Doctors told to parents that she would never walk. Vanya K. has an active
vocabulary of 50 words, at home he used
only 10 words.
This month we had a meeting
with parents. We talk about the importance of communication, socialization,
regular visits to our Centre where a child receives a comprehensive
psycho-physical development, as well as the system of rehabilitation in
accordance with a program of individual development.
2. The program "What a Miracle!"
The Centre runs a program "What
a Miracle !" (training for effective parenting for young families
expecting babies). On 24th of February a group has finished a course
(January-February 2012). Specialists of
the program also provide family counseling (personal and distant on-line
counseling).
On January 25th a family
gathering "Maslenitsa” (old Russian holiday with pancakes) was hold. Parents
and children celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Volunteers of the Center made the celebration brighter – they organized games
and family fun activities.
3. The "Training Workshop"
In February specialists
continued training sessions dedicated to preserving and strengthening the
reproductive health of teenagers. In total five sessions have been already hold
that addressed the issues of the development of teenagers, the gender issues,
as well as important issues of relationships between the sexes, between
children and adults.
4. Students' Practicum
This year the students are working
successfully in practical classes on the course "Theory and practice of
volunteer movement". They show high level of interest and activity working in the Mennonite family home.
Together with clients, they make post-cards, work in the art of origami, make
scented soap, paint, etc. Both clients and professionals of
family home are very happy with these activities.
In late February, we summed up
the results of practice of students majoring in "social work" and
"social pedagogy". According to the assigned tasks, students were
involved in work with children with special needs. One of the tasks was to participate
in the preparation of the annual integrative concert. Students were also involved in the
preparation of a concert for Women's day at the city Day Care Centre. We have
received a substantial assistance from the students. They partially collected
gifts for children, developed the script
for the celebration of Women's Day. They also learned how to write grant
proposals. By the end of the practicum some of them decided to work as
volunteers at our Centre.
Here are some of the students' comments about
their practicum:
Maryna S, social pedagogue:
"I was very much impressed that so many people in our city need help, but
not everybody could get it. But there are many people who are ready to provide
this help. And the "Florence Centre” is one the best examples how to help those
people. I was also very much impressed by the psychological climate in the
organization, relationships among colleagues, there is no tension between
people. During practicum I got lots of positive emotions as what we did was very
interesting!".
Mariya K, social pedagogue: "During
the practicum, I realized how important is
our profession. I understood the essence of the work of the
"Florence Centre". I have developed tolerance, understanding,
respect, creative skills, the ability to express my opinion".
At the end of the practicum
students said: "We wish to the "Florence Centre" many years of
flourishing as your work is very important for the community".
5. Social Actions
In February we were actively
involved in preparations for the integrative concert. Employees have developed
a contests for children, collected toys and have developed the concert program. | 
