6-year-old Jemiko, who has an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, was displaced by the fighting in South Ossetia during August 2008. An outgoing, lively little boy, he became lonely and withdrawn when the friends he made at the temporary refuge where his family had been housed in Tbilisi went to school in September, leaving him alone.
Extremely concerned about their child, Jemiko’s parents in due course received help from First Step Georgia and found the Day Care Centre a supportive, nurturing environment where their son could learn and develop. The Day Care Centre is located alongside the Children’s Residential Village in the suburb of Tbilisi.
Thirty children aged 4 to 18 living with their biological family or in our Children’s Village, are currently supported by FSG to attend the Day Care Centre, which incorporates a school, Monday to Friday.
They benefit from a range of services run by First Step Georgia including those offered by the education, medical, social and development programmes. Their parents are supported through a specially targeted programme, as well as enjoying the benefits of having their children in suitable care during the working day.
Since he’s been attending the Day Care Centre, Jemiko has once more become the happy, sociable boy he always used to be and is being helped to fulfil his potential.
HELP MORE CHILDREN LIKE JEMIKO:
In the past in Georgia, children with severe and profound disabilities did not have a chance to attend day care centres. Now Children like Jemiko are flourishing at the First Step Georgia Day Care Centre.
Just $3.95 per day feeds a child at the Centre so that, like Jemiko, they will no longer be deprived of education
Just $42 per month provides developmental aids like musical instruments, paints, toy kitchens and sports balls for the Day Care Centre.
