NGO + Emotional Afternoon = Lifelong Memories

Today, I was moved to tears.  Before I present the details of my afternoon, please allow me to give you a little background.

From Day 1, Toni wanted the CSC Team to experience many facets of life in Uberlandia.  My theory?  He  wanted us to see his city and his community through his eyes; and that includes sharing the many different sides of Uberlandia.  We’ve eaten at many different restaurants, we’ve gone to local schools, we’ve been to local festivals, we’ve met people and companies that have supported Ipe, and we’ve visited several other NGOs. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Toni told us we were going to visit another NGO that Ipe has partnered with for the past 6 years.  (Officially, Instituto Ipe Cultural has been a formal NGO for 7 years.)  In our statement of work (SoW), this NGO’s project was referred to as “5 Special Senses” (Cinco Sentidos Especiais).   

When we arrived, I had a general idea of this NGO’s mission.  We were greeted by 1 of 4 staff members.  This NGO is located in a suburban, Uberlandia neighborhood.  As we toured the facility, the staff explained how each room has a special use:  1-on-1 therapy, art therapy, a space to play games, etc.  When we went out to the courtyard, we were greeted by a group of 10 – 12 children and adults with various disabilities who were all working on an art project.  As I watched, I marveled at the love and compassion unconditionally given by the staff to those who are under their care 5 days a week.  All 4 staff members  patiently worked with each individual to ensure they all completed the art project. 

The first person we met was Ingrid.  Ingrid has Down's Syndrome, but her spunky and happy personality gave all of us a boost.  She loved to dance, pose for pictures, and hug.  There was another older woman who Toni worked with for 10 - 15 minutes.  He sang and danced with her.  They were singing popular Brazilian music; the kind of tunes you hear on local radio.  (The staff reaches her through music because that is what she likes best.)  His focus was to get her to give him a hand shake.  For what seemed to be a long time, Toni patiently waited while she danced and sang and her hand floated above his.  Finally, she put her trust in him and laid her hand in Toni’s.  It was a very touching moment.    

       

Before the tour ended, we watched a 1-on-1 tutoring session with a 6 year old girl.  (Unfortunately, I can’t recall her name.)  Her story amazed all of us.  At age 3, most everyone thought this little girl was autistic.  Her older sister is autistic, so logically, people thought that this child would be as well.  Someone on staff at this NGO noticed “something”, something different that made them think that possibly she wasn’t autistic. 

         

Fast forward 3 years…  We were amazed as we watched this precious little girl match the letters of the alphabet, put numbers in order from 0 – 9, write her name, and read.  Through a 3 year effort, by the  NGO’s staff,  this 6 year old is now a normal little girl who has been mainstreamed at school and should be fine.   

          

When we left after an almost 2 hour tour / visit, my understanding of this NGO’s value, and the services it provides to the community, increased 5 fold.  I was emotionally drained and little teary eyed.  This experience will be one of my many Brazil experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life. 

The CSC work we completed during the rest of the day, while at Ipe, paled in comparison to the work being done by the 4 special staff members at “5 Special Senses”.  (NOTE:  Based on my understanding of what we learned, the “5 Special Senses” project is part of a larger effort:   Espaço De Oficinas.  The web-site can be viewed at:   http://www.espacodasoficinas.com.br/)

P.S.  --  Here are some additional details on the “5 Special Senses” Project:  Operating since May 2007, the “5 Special Senses” project allows disabled people (those with visual, hearing or physical disabilities, as well as those with Down's Syndrome or autism) to experience art in a multi-sensorial way. This project uses a revolutionary treatment created in Spain 30 years ago that makes interventions in five areas of human development (autonomy, cognitive, motor, language and social) and emphasizes the importance of introducing art to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.  

      

          

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