Our Impact

Caregivers came together for a capacity-building training session focused on promoting the well-being of both caregivers and their children. The session equipped caregivers with practical skills to better understand their children's behaviour and respond calmly and appropriately, rather than reacting in ways that may escalate challenging situations.

The training also emphasised the importance of strengthening social support networks. Caregiving can be demanding and may contribute to anxiety, stress, burnout, loneliness, and emotional distress. Strong social connections help reduce these challenges by giving caregivers opportunities to share their experiences, seek emotional support, and access practical assistance.

Caregivers were encouraged to identify trusted family members, friends, community members, or organisations with whom they can share their concerns and seek support when needed. Simple activities — connecting with others, sharing a meal, helping someone with a task, or allowing others to assist them — can make a significant difference in reducing feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

The session reinforced the message that caregivers do not have to face their challenges alone. Building supportive relationships and knowing when and where to seek help are essential steps towards resilience, emotional well-being, and healthier caregiving experiences.

During a recent session with caregivers of children with special needs, three key activities were conducted. The first was a group counselling session where caregivers openly shared their lived experiences. A major theme was the persistent stigma they face within families, churches, and schools — stigma that continues to limit social support and inclusion for both caregivers and their children.

Many caregivers also reported significant economic challenges, unable to engage in income-generating activities because they must provide full-time care with limited alternative caregiving options. Access to essential services such as ongoing physiotherapy and psychological assessments remains a barrier due to high costs and limited availability, leaving many children without the consistent support they need.

The second activity focused on empowerment through practical skills training. Caregivers chose handwash soap making as their first skill for its simplicity, affordability, ready market, and because it can be done from home. The session closed with stress-management techniques — emphasising self-care, peer support, and practical coping strategies to nurture caregivers' emotional well-being.

See our caregivers in action — learning new skills, building community, and creating beautiful handcrafted products.