Empower caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

Introduction:

In this quarter, CFU continued its mission to empower caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP), with a refined focus on the role of play in the developmental outcomes of these children. This shift acknowledges the growing recognition of play as a fundamental activity for cognitive, motor, and emotional development in children with CP. Additionally, this quarter introduced training in jelly making for caregivers, providing them with another income-generating opportunity alongside ongoing financial literacy support. The jelly-making training was aimed at further diversifying income streams for caregivers while promoting self-reliance. Caregivers continued to receive ongoing support and guidance in managing their VSLAs, improving their financial literacy, and increasing their knowledge of cerebral palsy and its management.

Activities:

Training in Jelly Making:

The jelly-making training involved 15 caregivers from different VSLA groups. The training was designed to equip them with practical skills in producing high-quality jelly products that could be sold locally, providing an additional source of income.

The caregivers were trained on:

•  Ingredients and materials needed for jelly making, including:

Petroleum jelly

Paraffin oil

Beeswax

Fragrances and essential oils for scent

Shea butter and coconut oil for moisturizing properties

Coloring agents (optional)

Jars and packaging materials

•  Step-by-step process of jelly making, covering safety, hygiene, and product quality.
•  Marketing strategies, including packaging, pricing, and selling in local markets or through community networks.
•  Cost management to ensure profitability and sustainability of the jelly-making business.

Outcomes from jelly making training:

85% of participants were able to independently produce jelly by the end of the training.

70% of caregivers indicated they planned to start jelly-making businesses, either individually or in groups.

Some caregivers have already begun selling jelly in small quantities, with plans to scale up production with further support.

The jelly-making training resulted in three new VSLA groups planning to integrate jelly production into their income-generating activities.

Several caregivers expressed their satisfaction with the training, noting that the process was simple, cost-effective, and had significant potential for generating a stable income.

The caregivers actively participated in the hands-on sessions, learning how to use locally sourced ingredients to make jelly products that could be sold in their communities or at local markets.

Play-Based Interventions:

Sessions were conducted to introduce caregivers to the importance of play for children with cerebral palsy, focusing on improving motor skills, communication, and emotional bonding.

Caregivers were taught simple games and activities that could be done at home with their children, such as playing with blocks, interactive storytelling, and sensory play using everyday objects.

Emphasis was placed on how play helps in the physical, social, and cognitive development of children with cerebral palsy.

Financial Literacy & VSLA Support:

Continued training for VSLA groups on savings practices and financial management.

Provided ongoing support to monitor the progress of savings groups and ensure proper record-keeping.

Two additional VSLA groups opened accounts with local SACCOs, improving their financial security.

Ongoing Income-Generating Activities:

Caregivers continued their activities in liquid soap making, mushroom growing, and kitchen gardening.

CFU provided refresher sessions and linked caregivers to local markets for their products.

Jelly Making Training:

Achievements

Jelly Making Training:

25 caregivers trained in jelly making.

60% of caregivers have already begun small-scale production at home.

Positive feedback was received from caregivers who appreciated the practicality of the skill and its potential for income generation.

Play-Based Development:

75% of caregivers reported a better understanding of how play can aid their children’s development.

Children showed early signs of improved engagement, coordination, and interaction during playtime at home.

 Financial Literacy:

90% of caregivers continued to demonstrate improved financial literacy.

85% of VSLA members reported enhanced confidence in savings management.

Income-Generating Activities:

Two more caregivers successfully launched jelly-making businesses.

Mushroom-growing activities expanded, with several caregivers now regularly selling produce at local markets.

Lessons Learnt:

Play-Based Learning:

Play is a powerful tool for developmental outcomes, helping children with CP improve their motor skills and communication abilities.

Caregivers need continuous support and encouragement to implement play-based activities at home.

Hands-On Skills Training:

Jelly making proved to be an attractive income-generating activity, especially as it uses local ingredients and has low start-up costs.

There is a need to link caregivers with more local markets to expand their businesses.

Financial Literacy & Income Diversification:

Expanding financial literacy with income-generating skills like jelly making, liquid soap, and mushroom growing is leading to improved livelihoods among caregivers.

Continued monitoring and support are essential for sustaining the progress made in VSLAs and individual businesses.

Conclusion

This quarter has demonstrated significant progress in enhancing the livelihoods and caregiving capacity of parents of children with cerebral palsy. By focusing on play-based development and hands-on income-generating skills like jelly making, CFU continues to improve both the developmental outcomes of children and the financial stability of their caregivers. Going forward, CFU will build on these successes and ensure that the benefits of these programs are sustained and scaled across more communities.

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