In each project location, a Community Caring Centre was also established to provide quality care for children with disabilities, enabling carers to pursue their chosen livelihood.
The project gave carers, who were previously unable to work because of their caring responsibilities, the opportunity to identify a suitable income-generating activity and pursue it. By the end of the project carers’ incomes had increased significantly, bringing many families above the poverty line for the first time. In addition, carers’ self-esteem increased as a result of engaging regularly in a livelihood and this led to them receiving greater recognition from their community.
The lives of the children they care for were also enhanced due to the establishment of Community Caring Centres, which gave them the opportunity to interact outside of the home, socialise, learn new skills, and receive regular educational and therapeutic input.