We are pleased to announce that we have received funding for LaValla School to purchase and install solar panels and a new pool pump. The Diocese of Augsburg, Germany, has partnered with Australian Marist Solidarity for this initiative which will reduce ongoing costs and provide a greater level of self-sustainability.
LaValla School is the only Government approved primary school in Cambodia offering a full education to young people with disabilities. These children are provided with supported accommodation whilst they complete their primary education and access to healthcare and medical services aimed at rehabilitating their physical disability.
A new health initiative in 2014 was the implementation of hydrotherapy by qualified physiotherapist staff. The warm water, buoyancy, reduced gravity and consequent reduced loading on joints, all combine to allow these children with a wide range of physical disabilities to achieve many positive benefits in the pool. While hydrotherapy is common in Australia this is a rare and valuable opportunity for the students and greatly improves their mobility out of the pool. The pool is also used as a recreational area bringing these children great joy.
LaValla School previously had solar panels to run the pool pump and other areas of the school, however these have failed resulting in the back up pump being used from the electricity grid. A new more reliable system will mean LaValla School can save on electricity costs and have a cleaner pool for their students.
Hydrotherapy plays a critical role in the rehabilitation of these students’ disabilities and we are pleased that this service will be able to continue without causing undue financial pressures. On behalf LaValla School we would like to thank the Diocese of Augsburg for their generous support of this project.
Click here to visit the LaValla School page to learn more about the life-changing work being done.
Ashley Bulgarelli
Cambodia Projects Coordinator