Crosslink Development International

Programs: Special needs children project seeks to address social and physical needs of children with disabilities and their families in kyrgyzstan. The project includes: providing physical therapy to children; providing training in physical therapy for care givers and community members; providing recreational and art therapy; strengthening the social foundation for families; providing adaptive equipment; and working to see institutionalized children reunited with their biological families. The project has also established a therapeutic horse-riding program and seeks to promote this method of therapy for children with special needs in kyrgyzstan. In 2017 approximately 670 parents and children were directly served by the project with an additional 495 indirect beneficiaries in the form of other family members. Twelve staff worked on the project.

special education project seeks to address the educational needs of children with special needs and other children at risk. The project provides teachers in 3 state institutions for children with special needs and 2 rehabilitation centers for such children. Cdi staff provides training and resources for these educators. A fund is also established to provide vocational and higher education for at-risk children living in a shelter. Through these efforts education is provided for children who would otherwise have no such opportunity thus greatly increasing their ability to live more independently. In 2017, 82 children were directly served with 7 staff working on the project.

community health education project provides participatory, preventative health education to rural communities in kyrgyzstan in a manner that helps participants to pass on what they have learned to others in their community. Areas addressed reflect local concerns and include sanitation, hygiene, disease prevention, womens health, natural childbirth, nutrition, stress management, healthy relationships, parenting, and teenage health. Birthing classes are also offered to educate women on issues of birth technique, nutrition, and fetal development. In 2017 there were a total of 1,287 direct participants in seminars who then influenced an additional 6,930 family members. There were 9 staff working on the project.

other educational, medical and humanitarian projects.