MAITS

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We're thrilled to welcome Geraldine as our newest Trustee at MAITS!

With over 36 years in education, Geraldine’s journey began in London in 1986 and led her to specialise in teaching pupils with special needs. At Whitefield Schools and Centre, she spent 25+ years shaping young minds and advancing special education.

Her dedication to inclusive learning has earned her recognition, including a nomination for the Point of Light Award in 2019. Join us in welcoming Geraldine to the MAITS family! 🎉✨

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce we are now accepting applications for grants from trainers! 🎉

This is a fantastic opportunity to receive support and funding for international disability training. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your impact and make a difference.

Please read the post below to see the sort of training our grantees deliver.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pFrDVCYJBDV83q8y/

Apply now and join us in empowering more individuals through quality training. For more information on the application process, please visit Grants To Provide Training – MAITS (https://maits.org.uk/grants-to-provide-training/)

🚨THROWBACK THURSDAY🚨

Back in August of last year, we posted about Community Health Workers (CHWs) from our partner organisation, Al Umeed Rehabilitation Association, Karachi, who had been busy with their 4th review visits to families in their homes.

25 CHWs have been diligently supporting 125 children with special needs for almost 2 years now!

We have seen steady increases in these children's outcomes, including parents reporting improvements in their children’s general health, happiness and how much more their children are participating in social activities.

Thank you to all the CHWs for their dedication to making a difference for the children they have been supporting. 🥳

Are you new to MAITS? Or ever wondered how MAITS has such a big impact as such a small organisation?

By empowering local health and education workers through specialised "Training of the Trainer" programmes, MAITS ensures sustainable community-driven change. Our approach breaks down stigmas, improves child development, and enhances educational access. From creating cost-effective, life-saving equipment to boosting breastfeeding rates, MAITS is transforming lives with practical, impactful solutions.

For more information on how we work: https://maits.org.uk/how-we-work/

🌟 Announcement! 🌟

We are now accepting applications for grants from trainers! 🎉

This is a fantastic opportunity to receive support and funding for international disability training. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your impact and make a difference.

Please read the post below to see the sort of trainings our grantees deliver.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pFrDVCYJBDV83q8y/

Apply now and join us in empowering more individuals through quality training. For more information on the application process, please visit Grants To Provide Training – MAITS

🚨 Today is the Day! Global Giving Match-Giving Day! 🚨

Join us in making a significant impact for children with disabilities in Pakistan. Every donation made today will be matched, doubling the difference we can make together!

💖 Your generosity will help provide essential disability equipment, empowering these children to lead fuller lives.

📣 Don’t miss this opportunity to double your impact! Click here to support: Make disability equipment for children in Pakistan - GlobalGiving (https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/apt/)

Together, we can change lives!

📅 Countdown to Global Giving Match-Giving Day! 📅

We are thrilled to announce that MAITS is participating in the upcoming Global Giving match-giving day on July 10, 2024! This year, we are launching a new campaign to make disability equipment for children in Pakistan.

🌟 Your support can make a tremendous difference in the lives of these children, providing them with the tools they need to thrive. Together, we can create a brighter future for them.

🔗 Learn more about our campaign and how you can contribute: Make disability equipment for children in Pakistan - GlobalGiving (https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/apt/)

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

As we step into the new financial year, which started July 1st, we are thrilled to announce that we are now accepting applications for grants from trainers! 🎉

This is a fantastic opportunity to receive support and funding for international disability training. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your impact and make a difference.

Please read the post below to see the sort of trainings our grantees deliver.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pFrDVCYJBDV83q8y/

Apply now and join us in empowering more individuals through quality training. For more information on the application process, please visit Grants To Provide Training – MAITS (https://maits.org.uk/grants-to-provide-training/)

In October 2022, MAITS trained a team of Community Health Workers through CRP, since ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation is important to us, we continue to check in on the the impact MAITS trainings and partnerships are having. We collected information on 48 children who receive support from home visits conducted by these Community Health Workers.

Our data collection focuses on 11 core areas, known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The data shows a significant reduction in parents reporting that their child is unable to manage these ADLs after 4 CHW visits. We see more parents reporting that their child is trying to manage, sometimes managing, or often managing these tasks.

Notably, parents have shown a remarkable increase in confidence in caring for their children, understanding their development needs, and feeling positive about their caregiving role.

These improvements are truly cause for celebration! We are delighted to see the positive impact our MAITS-trained CHWs are making on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. 🌟

Here are some heartfelt comments from parents after 4 CHW visits:

"I understand more now about my child's condition."

"Now she can do so many tasks by herself."

"She is going to school more often."

"If we try, we can achieve."

"I learned I need to show him any task several times and let him practice."

Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication and hard work! 🙌✨

🎉 Exciting News from CRP, Bangladesh! 🎉

This month we successfully trained fifteen caregivers (MAITS Level 1), guided by three trainers overseen by MAITS Master Trainer, Fahmida Banu. Among these caregivers, thirteen are 'smart parents' and two are special educators. They will soon begin visiting families in their communities, with ongoing supervision from their trainers over the next year. Each caregiver will track the progress of two children with special needs and submit observations collected from the parents to us during this time.

Recently, using MAITS Small Grants Scheme, Heather and Alan Angilley returned to Nepal to conduct a train the trainer’s course on APT technology, here is some excellent feedback received from MAITS Master Trainer, Saadia Asif:

“Thanks to MAITS (Multi-Agency International Training and Support) for organising the ‘TRAIN THE TRAINER’ APT (Appropriate Paper-Based Technology) training programme in April 2024 in Nepal. This type of training course plays a big role in professional growth and increases the opportunity to learn from each other and connect professionals all over the world.

It was a wonderful experience to work together with different organisations in Nepal; all the training sessions were interactive and made the learning experience enjoyable and highly beneficial for the participants, who came from 8-10 different organisations. This training enhanced my ability to overcome challenges, develop strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in different environments because everyone shared their ideas on how to recycle the paper resources to make different useful therapeutic materials, toys, puzzles and vocational items.

Another benefit of this APT training for special needs children is that it can be used as a therapeutic activity for the children themselves, allowing them to improve their manual dexterity (Fine motor skills with coordination) and as well as being a good vocational training to learn how to recycle paper into useful items. This hands-on APT training also can benefit our community by providing support for those who have limited resources and have an interest in starting their own workshop. Using APT technology, they can do so with low-cost materials (recycled paper).

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the MAITS organisation for doing a wonderful job globally to empower special needs children and their families and providing us the opportunity to access this outstanding APT Training course. This experience has been incredibly valuable, and I look forward to applying what I have learned. Thanks to ACELP for always motivating and encouraging us to enhance our skills and knowledge in continuously developing projects for special needs children.”

🌟 A Big Thank You to MAITS Roundtable Conference Participants to explore growth plans for the Community Health Worker Empowerment Programme – supporting children with disabilities and their caregivers! 🙏💫

A heartfelt appreciation to all our esteemed participants: Ms. Amina Siddiqui (ZU), Ms. Zainab Meher Hasan (ACELP Institute of Child Development), Ms. Nazia Hozaifa (ACELP), Mr. Talib uz Zaman ( ), Dr. Sheikh Idrees (Fahmida Begum Foundation), Mr. Bilal (UNICEF), (ACELP), Ali Punjani (IHHN), Mr. Asif Rana Habib (Initiator Human Development Foundation), Ms. Saima Ali (Disabled Welfare Association), Mr. Shoaib Ghaziani (All Pakistan Memon Federation), and all others who contributed their valuable insights and expertise at our recent Roundtable Conference on Community Health Worker Empowerment in Pakistan.

We're immensely grateful to Ziauddin University for graciously hosting our event and providing a conducive environment for fruitful discussions.

Key points of discussion:

Exploring success stories & future opportunities with MAITS to reach children in low-resource settings.

Open dialogue on programme impact, challenges, & innovative solutions eliminating barriers.

Identifying collaborative actions for training, outreach, and monitoring & evaluation.

Through our collective efforts, we're excited to announce that our work will now extend to benefit many more children with special needs and their families. By expanding our existing network of 29 trainers and 174 MAITS-trained community health workers in Pakistan, we aim to reach even more underserved communities and make a lasting impact on their lives.

Your insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and collaborative spirit have laid a solid foundation for future initiatives.

Thank you all for your dedication and commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility and quality in our communities. Together, we're making a difference! 🌍💪 Welfare Organisation 🏥✨

🌍✨ Celebrating World Environment Day with MAITS! 🌿💚

On this special day dedicated to the protection of our planet, we are incredibly proud to highlight the outstanding work of our MAITS Small Grant Recipients. Through their dedication and innovation, they have brought Appropriate Paper-Based Technology (APT) training to support families in low-resource settings, all while using recycled paper materials. 📄♻️

APT is an ingenious approach that transforms wastepaper and cardboard into valuable resources, empowering communities and fostering sustainability. Our recipients have not only provided essential training but have also championed environmental stewardship, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Join us in applauding their efforts and commitment to a greener, more sustainable world. Together, we can create positive change and ensure a better future for generations to come. 🌱🌏

🌍✨ Global Day of Parents ✨🌍

MAITS wants to take a moment to honour and celebrate the incredible journey of parents who dedicate their lives to nurturing and supporting children with disabilities. 💖👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Parents of children with disabilities often go above and beyond to provide the best care and opportunities for their children. Their resilience, dedication, and unconditional love are sources of inspiration and strength. At MAITS, we are proud to stand alongside these amazing families. Our goal is to empower parents and caregivers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to enhance their children's development and quality of life.

🌟💪 Let's celebrate these heroic parents not just today but every day. Their role is pivotal in shaping a more inclusive, compassionate world. Join us in applauding their endless efforts and pushing forward the mission of better support and understanding for every child and every family.

🔗 Learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute at www.maits.org.uk.

🌟 Case Study: Empowering Ahmed Through Community Health Work

Meet Ahmed, a resilient 7-year-old boy facing a multitude of challenges due to hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures, and behavioural issues stemming from meningitis. Despite these obstacles, Ahmed's determination shines brightly.

Ahmed's mother, committed to providing him with the best possible care, sought assistance not only from the free government hospital but also from a compassionate MAITS Community Health Worker (CHW). This collaboration has been pivotal in Ahmed's journey toward holistic well-being.

Going beyond clinical support, the CHW serves as a guiding force for Ahmed's family. By imparting simple yet effective techniques, the CHW empowers Ahmed's mother to engage him in play and small household tasks, fostering his independence and growth.

Through their steadfast support and advocacy, the CHW ensures that Ahmed receives comprehensive care tailored to his needs. This collaborative effort underscores the transformative potential of community-based care and compassionate support.

Ahmed's story serves as a beacon of resilience and underscores the profound impact of community-driven healthcare. Together, let's continue to empower individuals like Ahmed, enabling them to overcome challenges and thrive. 💪✨ 🌈

Eid Mubarak! May this special day bring joy, peace, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Celebrate with happiness and gratitude.

We would like to take this chance to thank you all for your time and contributions as we have successfully trained 226 people, partnered with 14 organisations in seven different countries, and reached 6,850 children with disabilities and their families.

⏰ REMINDER - TOMORROW! ⏰

If you haven't already signed up, don't miss the chance to Join an insightful session at the Ubuntu Hub Shared Learning Webinar Series where our esteemed MAITS Master Trainer, Shabnam Rangwala!!

Shabnam will be shedding light on creating inclusive and integrated play opportunities for children with Developmental Disabilities. 🎉

🔹 Date: 10th April 2024 🔹 Time: 13.00 - 14.00 GMT 🔹 Platform: Zoom (https://lshtm.zoom.us/j/95162048411)

Shabnam Rangwala, a qualified Occupational Therapist and seasoned MAITS Trainer since 2016, brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in the not-for-profit sector. Her extensive background includes working on national and international projects focusing on inclusion and disability management. With a passion for empowering marginalised communities, Shabnam has collaborated with renowned organizations like UNICEF, BMZ-Germany, and CBM-India.

Currently serving as the CEO and trustee of Project Noor and Director of Community Services at ADAPT, Shabnam's expertise extends to clinical management, disability training, community outreach, and project management.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a trailblazer in the field! The webinar is FREE to attend, so spread the word and join us in fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all. See you there! 🌈

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

An insightful session at the Ubuntu Hub Shared Learning Webinar Series where our esteemed MAITS Master Trainer, Shabnam Rangwala, will be shedding light on creating inclusive and integrated play opportunities for children with Developmental Disabilities. 🎉

🔹 Date: 10th April 2024 🔹 Time: 13.00 - 14.00 GMT 🔹 Platform: Zoom (https://lshtm.zoom.us/j/95162048411)

Shabnam Rangwala, a qualified Occupational Therapist and seasoned MAITS Trainer since 2016, brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in the not-for-profit sector. Her extensive background includes working on national and international projects focusing on inclusion and disability management. With a passion for empowering marginalised communities, Shabnam has collaborated with renowned organizations like UNICEF, BMZ-Germany, and CBM-India.

Currently serving as the CEO and trustee of Project Noor and Director of Community Services at ADAPT, Shabnam's expertise extends to clinical management, disability training, community outreach, and project management.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a trailblazer in the field! The webinar is FREE to attend, so spread the word and join us in fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all. See you there! 🌈

🐣🌼 Hoppy Easter from all of us at MAITS! 🌼🐰

As we celebrate this egg-citing day, let's remember the true spirit of Easter - a time for renewal, hope, and spreading joy to those around us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a day filled with happiness, love, and plenty of chocolate treats! 🍫🐥

🌷🐣

We're thrilled to share the MAITS' 22-23 Annual Report, a comprehensive reflection of our journey over the past year. This document highlights our commitment to making a difference, showcases our achievements, and sets the stage for the exciting paths we plan to explore next. Dive in to discover the impact of our work, the stories of resilience and innovation, and how together, we're building stronger, more inclusive communities. Your support has been instrumental in every step we've taken. Join us as we look back on a year of challenges, successes, and learning. 🌟

View the full report here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_nhAhVKsylTG3qTHrSWrJ2Khu4I0d7q/view

On International Women's Day, we at MAITS celebrate the remarkable women who dedicate their lives to caring for children with disabilities. These incredible caregivers, often mothers, sisters, and grandmothers, provide endless love, support, and advocacy, contributing immeasurably to our communities yet their work remains largely unrecognised. Today, we honour their resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment. Let's amplify their voices and ensure their efforts are celebrated and supported.

Meet Lusana Afrin Nirjhar, an Occupational Therapist specialising in neuro-developmental disorders, she has over a decade of experience at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Bangladesh. 👩‍⚕️💪

Lusana works tirelessly to elevate the field of rehabilitation and advocate for a brighter future for those facing neuro-developmental challenges. 🌈

Lusana's dedication lies in improving children's functional independence through precise diagnosis and rehabilitation goals. She has led national and international training programmes, earning the role of MAITS Master Trainer. We are delighted to have her on our team, providing invaluable training to therapists and Community Health Workers ❤️

As we mark the 10th anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day, MAITS stands with the global movement to champion the rights and dignity of everyone. This year's theme, "To protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights," resonates deeply with our mission. We believe in fostering an inclusive world where health and human rights go hand in hand. Let's unite to eradicate discrimination and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to live a full, dignified, and productive life.

At MAITS, it is important for us to continue to assess and support the progress of newly trained organisations, that’s why in October 2024, Dr. Shabnam Rangwala, MAITS Master Trainer, paid visits to Tamahar Trust (https://www.tamahar.org/) and Shristi Special Academy (https://shristispecialacademy.com/) in Bengaluru, India.

The purpose of this trip was to follow up with these organisations after their Level 2 Training in 2021 and to extend any necessary additional support in the training of their Community Health Workers (CHWs). She also distributed certificates and incentives to the L2 Trainers and the L1 CHWs.

🎉 This month marks a remarkable milestone - 13 years of incredible service from our Operations Director, Sadia Mirza! 🌟

Sadia has been the backbone of our operations and programmes, bringing unparalleled dedication and expertise to her role. Her commitment to excellence has not only driven our success but also inspired each one of us every single day.

Thank you, Sadia, for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of what MAITS is today. Here's to many more years of achievements and growth together!

🥳 🌈✨

In May last year, MAITS' expert on International Training and Disability, contributed to an insightful webinar hosted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine's Ubuntu Hub.

🌐 The topic?

"Exploring Feeding Challenges for Children with Developmental Disabilities." 🍽️🧩

The session delved into USAID's initiatives on nutrition and feeding for these special children, highlighting their extensive resource bank, which includes MAITS' packages. 📚 It was an enriching experience with a panel of global experts discussing various facets of feeding challenges and strategies to support children with disabilities and their caregivers. 🌍👩‍🏫

Missed this informative webinar? No worries! Catch up with the recording here: 🔗. https://lshtm.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=29240ee9-49e1-4d7c-b79b-affe00f0b663

Don't miss out on these valuable insights! 📺💡

🕰️