Summary
Yig and Siouw are two children who suffer with Down syndrome and who come from very poor village families in northern Thailand. Their parents work long hours to provide for themselves and for their families. As a result, they do not have the time to gain the knowledge on their children’s condition or give special care to them. Also, these parents do not have the money to pay for speech and nutrition therapy for their children.
Yig and Siouw were in dire need of an environment that would provide special attention, stimulation and expert care to optimise their development.
Yig and Siouw joined NMRWC on May 18, 2009. They are now living in an appropriate and wholesome environment where they receive suitable treatment. More importantly, their mental and physical abilities have shown positive changes including dancing and imitating other voices or gestures.
Our sponsor, the Dutch Down Support Foundation not only financially supported Yig and Siouw, but provided expert feedback.
The overall situation of the children has improved enormously since their arrival at the NMRWC.
Background
The Northern Welfare Centre (NMRWC) was established in 1962 and supports children and adults with mental disabilities.
Various fields of expertise, the cooperation of the patients’ families and collaboration of interdisciplinary teams, as well as public support are needed to help improve the situation of neglected children and adults with mental disabilities. The NMRWC coordinates the support and provides all necessary services.
The Northern Welfare Centre has been helping hundreds of people with special needs. Many of them have left the centre and live confidently in society.
Goals and Results
Through the joint efforts of the Dutch Down Support Foundation and Philanthropy Connections Foundation, Yig and Siouw could start a new life in the NMRWC in Chiang Mai. The children have improved their eating habits, are given extra vitamins and receive a monthly medical check-up. Besides this, the general condition of the children has improved immensely too in terms of body strength, speech and motor development.
During the project period, the financial situation of NMRWC improved substantially. By 2015, this allowed them to take over the financial responsibility of Yig and Siouw.
