Apters is a small, locally run Zambian organisation that employs 'physically challenged' Zambians to create postural and mobility equipment from waste paper and cardboard, for disabled children and young people.
The name 'Apters' is derived from the phrase 'Appropriate Paper Technology' and the organisation's motto is 'Working for Mobility and Economic Empowerment'.
Children and young people attend Wednesday morning clinics at the Apters centre, usually following a referral from hospital. At the clinic, children are assessed by a physiotherapist and measured for the equipment they need. They are then usually invited back to clinic the following week to try out the equipment and for any necessary adjustments to be made. Usually families are able to take the equipment home on the second visit, but occasionally they need to return again if lots of adjustments need to be made.
Equipment for children and young people is heavily subsidised as many families would not have the money to pay for the equipment otherwise. Apters asks families to make a contribution to the cost and supports those families who are not able to make the contribution. There is no government funding for this equipment In Zambia.
To ensure that the organisation receives enough money to pay staff and support families, the staff also make products to sell at craft markets, such as piggy banks, jewellery and children's furniture. After meeting at Apters, a group of mothers of disabled children have also formed a crafts group making products from traditional Zambian cloth, which they also sell to increase income.
Here are some photos of the staff, workshop and process.
Kenneth - Director
Waste paper ready to be transformed
Glue - made from maize flour and water
Edina making a tray
Kenneth and fan
In the dry season, all the furniture is dried outside in the sunshine, but it becomes a real challenge to dry everything in rainy season. This was a huge problem while I was there, so I supported the project to get a new fan for the workshop so the furniture can be dried inside.
Ireen making a foam roller
Piggy banks waiting for final touches
Darius decorating the piggy banks
A finished standing frame and chair
There are a lot of projects out here that are doing some great work with disabled children and adults, but Apters was one that really made an impression on me; partly due to the determination and passion shown by Kenneth and the team, but also of course, because of the impact that that determination and passion has on the disabled children, young people and their families.
If Apters also makes an impression on you and you would be interested in making a small contribution to the project, please let me know. (Email below) I'm not yet entirely sure how i can make that work practically, but i will definitely find a way!
However, please don't feel at all obliged to - you will remain firmly on my Christmas Card list even if you don't! (Those that know me well know that I am completely terrible at sending out Christmas Cards...so this is not very reassuring! But hopefully you know what I mean!)
Thank you for reading.
:)
Email: grace.ohh@googlemail.com
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