Evaluation report HealthProm project impact on beneficiaries

Bishkek - 2015
Study as part of the HealthProm partnership project “Supporting children with
disabilities in the Kyrgyz Republic” funded by the Big Lottery Fund
Гуся
Identify the impact of the HealthProm
partnership project "Supporting children with
disabilities in the Kyrgyz Republic" on the
beneficiary parents and their children with
disabilities attending day care centers

[IDENTIFY THE IMPACT OF THE HEALTHPROM PARTNERSHIP PROJECT "SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH
DISABILITIES IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC" ON THE BENEFICIARY PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN WITH
DISABILITIES ATTENDING DAY CARE CENTERS]
Study as part of the
HealthProm partnership
project “Supporting children
with disabilities in the Kyrgyz
Republic” funded by the Big
Lottery Fund
2
Identify the impact of the HealthProm
partnership project "Supporting children with
disabilities in the Kyrgyz Republic" on the
beneficiary parents and their children with
disabilities attending day care centers
Analysis of the results of focus group discussions
Bishkek - 2015

Lottery Fund
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EXECUTING AGENCY
II. SUMMARY OF THE STUDY
III. STUDY RESULTS
IV. FINDINGS ON STUDY RESULTS
V. RECOMMENDATIONS
VI. GLOSSARY

Lottery Fund
4
I. EXECUTING AGENCY
This analysis of the results of the focus groups has been conducted by Public Association
"Marketing Service Bureau/PROMA" commissioned by the Public Foundation "Kelechek Plus".
The priority research and consulting areas for "Marketing Service Bureau/PROMA" include
social sphere, service sector, tourism, food/processing industry. In addition, the company carries
out research in the field of budgetary processes, LSG work, social studies.
Since its foundation in December 1997, the company’s experts performed dozens of projects of
different complexity in various regions of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. The
range of tasks is as wide and varied as the range of its customers.
Clients of "Marketing Service Bureau/PROMA" are international, governmental, commercial
enterprises, as well as non-profit organizations and individuals.
Executive Director of "Marketing Service Bureau/PROMA":
Zhilkina N.P.
Public Association
Marketing Service Bureau - PROMA:
+996 312 615029
+996 554 140381

Lottery Fund
5
II. SUMMARY OF THE STUDY
Purpose of the study - to identify the impact of the HealthProm partnership project "Supporting disabled
children in the Kyrgyz Republic" supported by the Big Lottery Fund on the beneficiary parents and their
children with disabilities attending day care centers (or shortly day centers (DCs)) through focus groups.
Study description:
The study was conducted by the method of involved observation (focus group) with the participation of
parents of children with disabilities attending day centers, according to the approved issues.
Coverage area: 7 oblasts of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Total number of participants in the focus groups: 63 parents.
Summary of the study results:
The study results have shown that in all regions of Kyrgyzstan there have been created and successfully
operate day centers for children with disabilities. Parents learn about them from different sources of
information: in some oblasts from social services, local television and local communities (Issyk-Kul,
Naryn, Batken and Talas). Proactive attitude of the center staff and parents who invite sick children to the
center through friends, neighbors, etc. plays a significant role in informing about DCs. In general, the
study did not identify any sources of information about activities of day centers for children with
disabilities common for all regions of Kyrgyzstan. It should be noted that the information support from a
single organizational center would eliminate the elements of fragmentation and randomness in notifying
those in need of such services.
In all regions of Kyrgyzstan there has been revealed a significant improvement in the development of
disabled children attending DCs. Independence of the actions of children is increased, their memory,
ability for speech, reading, drawing is improved. Children develop skills of self-service, social activity.
Through training in DC children acquire confidence and interest to contact with other children, which
allows them to easily adapt to the external environment and further to school.

Lottery Fund
6
During focus group discussions, parents expressed many thanks to staff and organizers of DCs for the
help in preparing children with disabilities for school, which involves both increasing the level of
preparation and taking practical concrete steps to create inclusive classes. Children acquire
independence and confidence in their ability to cope with attending secondary school. But doubts have
been expressed that under the fullness of classrooms and teachers' busyness whether children with
disabilities will be able to cope with the school program and take in the material.
The level satisfaction with the support from DCs is high. In addition to improvements in health status and
level of development of children, psychological support is provided to parents which involves the ability
to exchange useful information and positive experience. There has been noted a significant practical
usefulness of training sessions on volunteering and music therapy, as well as exchange of experience with
Karakol DC "Ornok".
There has been revealed information support to parents by employees of DCs, which involves provision
of advice and practical tips for obtaining additional social services, education and medicine services.
Mostly it refers to the Issyk-Kul and Naryn oblasts. In other oblasts - Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken, Talas and
Chui - there is a lack of such information and there is an expressed desire to get more advice and
practical tips on services for children with disabilities.
Thus, there has been noted an improved access to basic health, education and social services. However,
the number of children who need help of such centers is high; many settlements of Kyrgyzstan do not have
access to day centers. The situation is aggravated by the geographical features and infrastructure of the
regions: often centers are located too far away from a number of settlements, which complicates the
transportation of children to DCs.
The sustainability of the project results depends both on the proactive attitude of parents and the
willingness of local authorities to solve the current problems and issues of DCs. In regions, parents
actively participate in various events, work with representatives of various bodies, though not identically.
But the results of such joint activities that are useful for DCs may be noted only in Issyk-Kul and Naryn
oblasts.
The project helped to create a network of parent associations at the regional level to promote and protect
the rights of children with special needs and their parents. The effectiveness of such a network varies by
regions: parents from Batken, Talas and Naryn oblasts have started the practical implementation of
various activities. The rest of the parent communities are inspired and make preparations for active work.

Lottery Fund
7
The level of integration of children with disabilities into society through a positive change in attitudes
towards children among the key participants in the project has increased. The attitude towards sick
children, particularly by neighbors and their children, has been improved also thanks to positive changes
in behavior and social adaptation of children as a result of visits to day centers.

Lottery Fund
8
III. STUDY RESULTS
Question 1. How did you learn about DCs?
The discussion did not reveal sources of information on the activities of DCs common to all regions
of Kyrgyzstan. But a number of responses point to an active work of employees to inform the public about
the activities of DCs.
In Issyk-Kul oblast, the Department of Social Development is the important source of information
about the operating day center "Ornok". In addition, the MSEC (medical and social expert commission)
has provided an information poster with contact details of the rehabilitation center, and the head of MSEC
provides additional information and recommendations to parents to contact the DC. The proactive attitude
of parents, members of the network of parent associations established at the regional level, plays an
important role, they inform parents of children with disabilities about the existence of such a center and
invite them to visit it.
In Naryn oblast, ElTR channel broadcast a program about the DC "Ak-Bairak". Some parents
brought their children to the center just after this TV program. An important source of information about
day centers is the local newspaper, which annually informs people about the center. The DC employees
also contribute to informing the public: they conducted a survey of households on the presence of
children with disabilities in the family, told these families about the DC "Ak-Bairak" and invited them to
visit it.
In Talas oblast, parents of children with disabilities were informed about the DC "Tenir-Koldo" by
employees of "Tenir-Koldo" NGO who conducted various training sessions in almost all oblast centers, in
particular training on "Safety of Children in Day Centers". Parents of children already attending the
center also play an active role in informing about DC.
In Osh oblast, according to parents - FG participants, the main source of information about the DC
"Buchur" are friends and neighbors who already know about the center or those who bring their children
to this center.

Lottery Fund
9
In Jalal-Abad oblast, there were not identified significant organized sources of information about
the activities of DC "Ariet". Parents learned about it from friends or other parents whose children
attended the center. One mother was referred to the center by the local sanatorium.
In Batken oblast, according to parents the main source of information about the DC "Nur" is DFCP
(Department for Family and Children Protection), whose experts refer children with disabilities to the day
center. In addition, lists of children with disabilities are sent by the Department of Social Protection to the
day center, whose employees individually invite parents of each child from the list. Parents expressed a
special thanks to the staff of the DC "Nur" for active work to inform parents about the existence of the
center.
In Chui oblast, parents did not give significant organized sources of information about the activities
of the DC "Mechta rebenka". Parents of children with disabilities learned about it from friends or other
parents whose children attended the center. One parent was referred to the center by ARDI (Association
of Parents of Disabled Children).
Question 2. Whether the development and confidence of your children improved after they began
to attend the DC? If so, how? Examples?
Focus group participants in all regions of Kyrgyzstan gave only positive answers to this question.
According to parents, the development of children attending DCs is improved in all oblasts. For
the period of attending the center, parents note increased independence of actions of children, improved
memory, speech, reading and drawing skills. The youngest visitors of the center learned to focus their
eyes and attention on the surrounding people, sit and move on their own, utter sounds and words. They
develop skills of self-service. There is increased social activity, interest to contact with other children and
the external environment. The positive changes in the development of social and communication skills of
children attending DCs are noted by all parents involved in FG. Here are some quotes to prove it:
Mother of little Umar (Issyk-Kul oblast):
Umar attends the DC "Ornok" since its first days, for about a year. Since then, we note many positive
changes. My son is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, so before joining the Center, he could not even sit.

Lottery Fund
10
Now Omar is able to sit, recently he began to creep, he knows some letters.
Mother of Ayana (Issyk-Kul oblast):
Ayana is 1.5 years and she is the smallest visitor to the Day Center. She attends the Center just two
months, and during this short period she began to sleep better at night, learned to roll over and lift up
the legs. Improvements in her state are visible not only to me but also to all our relatives.
Mother of Aiturgan (Naryn oblast):
Our girl Aiturgan before coming to the center "Ak-Bairak" did not talk, now she not only talks, but also
takes part in all events held in the Center.
Mother of Akylbek (Talas oblast):
Prior to joining the Center "Tenir Koldo", Akylbek did not talk. Now, after attending the Center for
about six months, he learned to pronounce certain words, and began trying to write and distinguish
colors. He developed the skills of self-service.
Father of Temirlan (Talas oblast):
My son is 12 years old, and he has a severe form of autism. We did not want for a long time to visit the
center, we did not believe that something could help him. Our son so often ran away from home that
my wife and I had to write our phone numbers on his clothes. We are glad that we have decided to
come here because for about one month Temirlan does not run away from home, he waits for me from
work, helps to change clothes. He already knows how to attend to himself. But our main achievement
is that our son has learned to ride a bike. I have for a long time failed to teach him, and now my son
rides a bike! We are so thankful.
Mother of Markhabo (Osh oblast):
Only specialists of the Center have been able to instill in my son the skills of personal hygiene. We want
to stay here for another year, as we hope for improvement in the speech of our son. Then we will go to
a regular school thanks to training in the Center.
Mother of Upol (Osh oblast):
My daughter almost does not sleep day or night. But in the Center "Buchur" Upol can sleep for two to
three hours in the pool with balls installed in the sensory room. This is a good example for us, we want

Lottery Fund
11
to establish something similar at home.
Mother of Khadicha (Jalal-Abad oblast):
Khadicha is 7 years old and she attends the Center since 2013. She was noncontact, did not play with
other children, did not know letters and did not want to participate in the learning process. At the
moment all these problems are solved, and she attends high school named after Domat in Suzak.
Father of Fakhriddin (Jalal-Abad oblast):
Nurzhigit is seven years, he was transferred from the day center "Ariet" to the preparatory class of
secondary school No. 3. Prior to joining the center he did not come in contact with children, he was
timid, could not utter his name. In the first days someone from the family was constantly present in
the center, now there is no need. His activity increased, for example, he played the role of "Pinocchio"
at one of the events of the DC.
Batken oblast:
I think that all parents will confirm that children who regularly attend the Day Center have obvious
positive results. But there are children who receive educational services at home, and they have barely
noticeable progress. To be properly prepared for school and acquire self-confidence a child should not
be isolated from other children and society.
Chui oblast:
My son always thought he was the only one in the world with legs that did not walk. After coming to
the Center his perception completely changed. In addition, there were changes in his behavior: he
became more relaxed, talkative, began to plan his future.
FG results have revealed problem areas in teaching children with disabilities in secondary schools. This is
due to poor progress of children with mental retardation requiring special attention and more time on the
part of teachers, which is impossible in conditions of crowded classes in most secondary schools.
Mother of Aizhan (Batken oblast):
My daughter Aizhan has mental retardation. Employees of the Center "Nur" have properly prepared
her for school, but now in secondary school she gets behind other children because of her special
needs, she does not take in the material. In addition, the teacher does not have time to give her due

Lottery Fund
12
attention. My daughter just takes place in the classroom. This is probably a problem of secondary
education in general. In this case, I think we need a correctional class or something like that.
Question 3. How do you think whether day centers help to prepare children for school (children
who could potentially go to school)? How? Examples?
There have been received positive responses related to the help from day centers, which involves
both improving the level of preparation of disabled children for school, and taking practical concrete steps
to create inclusive classes.
For example, in Issyk-Kul oblast, mother of Umar during the year worked with him at home,
studied letters, which was to no avail: the boy could not even learn the letter "A". After starting to attend
the DC, Umar learned already about fifteen letters, he attends preparatory class on the basis of the DC and
is preparing to go to school.
In Naryn oblast, with the help of the head of the day center there was signed an agreement with
secondary school named after K.Mambetaliev for the creation of an inclusive class on the basis of the
school and transfer of the group prepared for school from DC "Ak-Bairak." Another practical example of
DC’s assistance in preparing children for school:
Naryn oblast:
My son has MR (mental retardation). Without any obstacles, I sent him to a local school, but he was
not ready to learn. According to the teacher, he did not respond to attempts to draw his attention to
the study and simply "took place". After five years of attending a secondary school I had to bring him
to the center "Ak-Bairak" and did not regret: my son now attends both a school and DC. He now has
a positive progress in the development, he has learned to cut paper figures with scissors, become
more sociable and better contacts with other children.
In Talas oblast, in 2014 on the basis of the day center "Tenir-Koldo" there were prepared three
children attending now a secondary school Zhon-Aryk in the village of Tash-Aryk: Koychubaev Abay

Lottery Fund
13
(with ICP), Nurgazy k.Eliza and Zhanara. In the current year, another three children are being prepared
for school: Alisher, Ilgiz and Akylbek.
Focus group participants in Osh oblast also expressed their gratitude to the staff of the DC
"Buchur" for assistance in preparing their children for school. They noted that children acquired
independence and confidence in their ability to cope with learning in general secondary school:
Osh oblast:
 My daughter Makhlie after attending the DC "Buchur" was admitted to a regular school,
successfully completed the 2nd
grade. This year, we wanted to transfer her to secondary school №12
closer to home. But teacher asked us not to do this because my daughter began to demonstrate very
good results at school. And transfer to another school can be stressful for her.
 My son Nurislam after attending the DC "Buchur" went to school, and there were no problems
with registration. Since my son has a problem with the musculoskeletal system, the head teacher of
the school was interested only in the question of delivering him to school and back home. No
questions were asked about the child's readiness for school. Thanks to the center staff.
In Jalal-Abad oblast, almost all parents of school age children have confirmed practical assistance
of the center in the preparation of their children for secondary school:
Jalal-Abad oblast:
 My daughter Khadicha is seven years, she attends the center since 2013. At the moment, she
attends a high school named after Domat in Suzak, and there are no problems with her level of
preparation and progress.
 My son Nurzhigit is seven years. From the day center "Ariet" he was transferred to the
preparatory class of secondary school No. 3. We are very pleased that our child has no obstacles in
getting education related to his special needs.
Parents of children attending the Batken DC "Nur" confirm considerable assistance of the center in
preparing their children for school:

Lottery Fund
14
Batken oblast:
 My son Muhammed is 8 years old. He attended a secondary school for a year, but did not learn to
read or write. I brought him to the DC "Nur", where for less than a year he learned the letters,
learned to read by syllables. At the moment, he attends both school and day center.
However, there are doubts that in terms of fullness of classrooms and teachers' busyness whether
children with special needs will be able to cope with the school program and take in the material.
In Chui oblast, the DC "Mechta rebenka" has a positive impact on the development of children
with disabilities. However, due to the special needs, some children need additional services:
Chui oblast:
 My daughter Aidana before joining the Centre attended school, but could not cope with the tasks.
I brought her to the DC "Mechta rebenka". The school principal made advances and allowed us to
continue to attend school. And now, my daughter attends both the secondary school and some
classes at the center.
 I am the mother of Anzhelika. After attending the day center for a short time, I brought my
daughter to a specialized nursery school for the deaf. There are good conditions, but the child has
special need which require additional specialist - audiologist.
The assistance of DCs involves not only training of children with cerebral palsy. For example,
children who do not have problems with the musculoskeletal system became more responsible towards
helpless children: they, if possible, provide assistance and support to them, while there are no adults. This
responsibility is also a big positive factor in preparing for school.
Question 4. How parents are satisfied with the support received from DCs (as part of the project)?
What kind of support do you get? What the parents would like to offer?
In Issyk-Kul oblast, parents highly appreciated the level of their satisfaction with the support of
DC "Ornok": according to the five-grade scale their average score was five. In addition to improvements

Lottery Fund
15
in health status and level of development of their children, parents highlighted the psychological support
received by them and their children from the DC within the project. Moreover, the information support
from the staff of DC, in particular about the services and specialists of the center, positively influences the
situation assessed. For example, not only children but also their parents could get massages at an
affordable price.
An example of the actual assistance provided by the center: this year, the staff of DC helped one
of its learners get training at home. Since September 2015 the teacher will go to him and conduct training.
According to employees of the center, it is practically the first case of learning at home in Karakol. The
problem has been sounded in the coordination council of Karakol.
Parents of Naryn oblast are also satisfied with the support from the DC "Ak-Bairak". The project
helps parents to pay for teachers-educators, which is a very big support for families with a disabled child.
Parent meetings held regularly help parents share useful information and positive experience with each
other. Parents of children attending the DC of Naryn oblast are also satisfied with educational activities,
in particular, with training sessions on volunteering and music therapy. The exchange of experience with
Karakol center was particularly highlighted; after this trip, parents install charity boxes in all banks and
large stores in At-Bashi and several boxes in Naryn.
FG participants in Talas oblast emphasize that the most significant support from the DC "Tenir-
Koldo" is an opportunity to receive psychological assistance and useful tips from other parents and the
staff of DC. "Although this assistance is far from professional, we still do a great job, as mothers come
here psychologically exhausted" - says one of the parents.
Parents identify educational services of "Tenir Koldo" Center as "invaluable", since until recently
no one institution, except for DC, has not engaged in pre-school preparation of children with disabilities.
Despite the existence of an inclusive group in the kindergarten Balastan, there is a huge shortage of such
institutions.
There was also noted the information support from DCs in the form of training sessions and
exchange of experience:
Talas oblast:
It is so useful to gain experience from people who have already achieved more than we. For example, a
trip to "Ornok" Center in Karakol where work is progressing faster and more efficiently has been very

Lottery Fund
16
useful for parents of our center. After this trip we were able to activate the rest of the parents in our
center. And we have poured the foundation for the new building of the center in the land allocated by
local authorities.
Parents of children with disabilities in Osh oblast note support from the DC "Buchur" which
includes the implementation of specific measures. Over the past year the parent committee intensified its
work, it organized a group of needlework. As part of the HealthProm project there was renovated a toilet
which was previously impossible to visit, especially by children with disabilities; renovated premises and
equipment became more comfortable. Several mothers completed computer courses which gave them the
opportunity to teach and show the rest how to work with the computer donated to parents by "Finca"
through "Kelechek Plus", our main partner.
In Jalal-Abad oblast, besides helping in the preparation of children for secondary school, parents
are satisfied with training sessions and consultations held by the center, which bring great benefit to them,
to children and the center as a whole. Also parents express satisfaction with specific activities which
become possible to implement thanks to the help of the center. Thus, as part of the ICCO project there
was opened a greenhouse, where the parents work and grow vegetables for children of the center.
During discussion there has been identified a problem related to the provision of food to children
which is vital for Jalal-Abad center being on the balance of the DDE. Appeal to provide food to children
has not given the results.
Parents in Batken oblast appreciate the assistance of the center staff: training sessions conducted
for the center, also conducted for parents. A specialist from the Department of Social Protection provides
advice on social issues. In addition, parents appreciate the attentive, respectful attitude towards them on
the part of the center staff: the information on the help of sponsors and donors is posted in the form of a
report in the corner for parents. The center provides an opportunity to share useful knowledge and support
each other:
Batken oblast:
On the basis of the parents' committee there have been organized three groups, which include active
parents. One of the groups is engaged in writing projects and searching for sponsors, the second group
is engaged in needlework (self-help group). And the third group - a creative team, which is organizing
and holding events. We like it: support each other and staff of the center, do something useful for the

Lottery Fund
17
children and the center.
Satisfaction with the support from the staff of DCs is also high in Chui oblast, in particular with
the fact that the ongoing training sessions for parents on volunteering and music therapy allow them to
use obtained knowledge and skills for the benefit of children. Many parents through local sponsors began
to receive assistance in the form of things and products. All activities are organized and attended by
parents:
Chui oblast:
During meetings, parents discuss general or personal problems, find jointly solutions, unwittingly
consult each other. For example, I learned from mother of Bakdoolot that the Ak-Suu doctors were
divided for serving disabled adults and children. I learned from her the phone number of the head
physician, called and got registered.
There have been expressed reasonable and interesting proposals to expand the support that is
provided at the moment by DCs as below:
Issyk-Kul oblast:
 Creation of a pottery workshop which could not only realize hobby of parents, but also bring some
income that could be spent on useful activities for children of the center.
 Increasing and expanding the library collection of the center, which will make it possible at all times
to use literature designated for parents and for the children's development.
Naryn oblast:
 We would like to find a sponsor who would help with the payment of summer camp in Issyk-Kul for
youth and adolescents.
 Massage training for one of the parents who could work for the center and for parents.
Talas oblast:
 Creation of a day center for adolescents and young people who previously visited the center, but
grown up.
Osh oblast:
 Training for parents on how to use the Internet space. We are all mothers with disabled children, and

Lottery Fund
18
with the birth of a child with disabilities we have to give up many things, including work. And sitting at
home, we are behindhand with the world. Use of the Internet would help us, for example, work with
children with the help of video tutorials, perform some work at home, as well as receive information on
where and how to get certain services.
Jalal-Abad oblast:
 Provision of food for children of the DC "Ariet".
Batken oblast:
 Solving problems with transport for the delivery of children to the center. Distance from the residence
of some families to the DC is 30-40 km, which prevents many children regularly visit the center.
Chui oblast:
 Organization of courses of interest for the matured children formerly attending center.
 Addressing the transport issue of the delivery of children to the center, especially with cerebral palsy.
Question 5. How do you think whether the attitude of others (neighbors, friends, relatives,
hospital, transport) towards the child changed in the last six months? If so, how? Examples?
There have been noted some improvements in attitudes to sick children, in particular by neighbors
and their children. This is possible also thanks to the positive changes in behavior and social adaptation of
children as a result of attending day centers.
For example, in Issyk-Kul oblast Aydin after attending the DC is not seen on a walk alone, as he
has raised the level of interpersonal skills with children without special needs. The neighborhood
children, according to Aydin’s mother, ceased to notice development features of the boy, they got
accustomed to them. Though his speech is still poorly developed, children began to understand him.
In Naryn oblast there was noted a case of sponsorship through DC from Japan: by special order of
the boy Syimyk with limited motion there was made a walker.
In Talas oblast, parents also cited a number of positive examples of improving the attitude of the
outside world to their children. For example:

Lottery Fund
19
Talas oblast:
 Before coming to the center, the neighborhood kids in the street could hurt my son Kudaibergenov
Argen. Now Argen began to play with them and the kids are trying to match him. Just before the child
had no communication skills, and it was difficult for him to communicate with other children. At the
moment, this barrier began to disappear.
 This year, I see a positive change in attitudes towards children with disabilities. If earlier, when
seeking the help we can hear: "these children need to be isolated," but this year many private donors
and local authorities supported without any problems the construction of a building for DC and raised
money for casting of foundation.
In Osh oblast, parents also believed that positive changes occurred in attitudes towards special
children. They talked about the improvement of relations among friends and neighbors, and about
positive changes in strangers. For example, in transport facilities:
Osh oblast:
 When you first look at my child you cannot say that he has some abnormalities. Therefore, when
entering the minibus elderly people try to make him give his place to them. But when explaining the
situation I did not met negative words or actions. Recently I saw in the minibus a printed sheet with a
sign of wheelchair over the first chair seat. The child sat down, and no one disturbed him. I think that
parents need to post such signs in all types of public transport.
Focus group participants in Jalal-Abad oblast noted that there has been no negative attitude to
their children by others before, the public does not feel negative emotions and alertness to children with
disabilities:
Jalal-Abad oblast:
 My neighbors have always treated very well my son. I have never heard that they speak negatively
about the child.
 My child, if goes out, does not want to go home: he and other children play together well.
 Neighbors and strangers treat my child well. The child has never complained about the attitude of
those around him.

Lottery Fund
20
Parents in Batken oblast also say that they have never seen negative or hostile attitudes towards
their children from the outside world. On the contrary, there is mutual support and positive attention to
children with disabilities, and this attitude is not directly dependent on the work of DC.
In Chui oblast, parents noted that the attitude of neighbors and relatives to their children with
disabilities was always good, but the activity and desire to help the center and children increased. The
assistance involved manufacture of two charity boxes and their installation in the center and Alamedin
market. Also, friends and neighbors gathered children's clothes for almost all children of the younger
group and organized a picnic.
It should be noted that the attitude of others to the peculiarities of the development of children
cannot depend entirely on specialists of DCs. Despite the large number of TV programs and information
posted on the Internet, in many cases tolerance of neighbors, relatives and other environment rises with
great difficulty. Children with special needs are cautiously perceived by the outside world, including
parents of healthy children. In this regard, FG participants in all regions noted that the increase in social
and communicative adaptation of children with disabilities through efforts of DCs improves their
relationship with the external environment.
According to answers to this question we can reveal a trend: inhabitants of the northern oblasts
are more likely to show a lack of understanding to children with disabilities, than in the southern areas.
Question 6: Tell us what kind of information or knowledge have you received regarding medical
services, education, social protection for your children? How?
Under the project, the parents were able to get a variety of information regarding the medical
services, education and social protection for their children. However, there were obtained not only
positive answers to this question: focus group participants made a number of requests, there were
complaints about the lack of information.
In Issyk-Kul and Naryn oblasts there were conducted consultations and provided real assistance in
preparation of documents to recover or receive child benefits; the opportunities for a disabled child to
attend in a comprehensive elementary school; as well as the rights and the procedure for preparing to
undergo treatment in Dzhal Republican Children's Hospital.

Lottery Fund
21
Bermet, mother of Aidin (Issyk-Kul oblast):
My son is being treated for a long time in the biggest hospital of the country, in Dzhal Republican
Children's Hospital. But before getting this treatment, he was treated at a local hospital for 10-12
days. But from the handbook on legal issues developed and issued by the Association of Parents of
Disabled Children (ARDI) we learned that this was not required. I want to note the particular
importance of the Centers for special children, where there is a library of useful publications on legal,
medical and social issues.
Father, Ak-Suu village, Issyk-Kul oblast:
In 2015, we decided to send our child to the local school named after Dosaly Turatbekov. But teaching
staff headed by the director of the school resisted, saying that they did not have the necessary
conditions to teach children with ICP. Despite the fact that we tried to explain to the staff of the school
that the child had no attacks, that his intelligence preserved, that we would transport him to and from
school, we were refused. And then we asked for advice in DC "Ornok". Here, with the help of parents
and staff of DC we were able to apply to the DDE, the issue was resolved, and now our child would
attend school.
Mother of Eliza, Naryn oblast:
The DC suggested that I could go with Eliza to Dzhal Hospital in Bishkek for free treatment. And
already in the hospital I learned from the doctors about additional free services (Vorontsovka, Ak-Suu)
to which my child was eligible.
In Talas oblast, parents expressed a great desire to learn about other services established by the
legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic for children with disabilities.
In Osh oblast, there was noted that all parents had attended training sessions on their rights, but
they had no practical skills on how to act in a particular situation. Thus, the head of the Public Foundation
"Family to every child" held training for parents of children with disabilities on legal issues, but that it
was not enough. Parents are not aware of their rights, do not have the support and advice on a regular
basis concerning constantly emerging new issues, consultations held by specialists of DCs are not
enough.

Lottery Fund
22
Parents in Jalal-Abad oblast also speak about the lack of practical knowledge, although they are
satisfied with legal training held by the center. They solve questions related to social security, health care
and education services with the help of employees of the DC "Ariet". However, they were not aware of
the information such as their right to the service in Ak-Suu or Vorontsovka. It is necessary to note the
lack of activity of the parents in this regard: they do not always attend the training sessions organized by
the center, although it is due to employment and field season.
Complaints about the lack of knowledge about the additional services were also expressed by
parents in Batken oblast. There is no information about the process and ways of obtaining services that
are not mandatory for children with disabilities.
Batken oblast:
My son and I went to receive treatment in Ak-Suu village, Issyk-Kul oblast. But we were not accepted
there due to the fact that with our diagnosis we could not be treated in baths with radon water. We
were re-referred to Vorontsovka. I showed all referrals to a doctor in Vorontsovka, but it turned out
that we lacked one certificate from the Professional Medical Expert Commission. We were sent home.
We traveled such a long road with a child! I still do not know whether it is possible to find another way.
In Chui oblast, there was not noted significant amount of information and knowledge provided by
the staff of the center. From the teacher of the day center one of the parents found out about the state
rehabilitation center "Maksat", where she was able to get treatment for her child. But the information
about the possibility to receive treatment in Ak-Suu was obtained from one of the parents.
It should be noted that due to information support of the center staff, the parents of children
attending DC learned about their right to education in secondary school; an important area of education of
their children is home education. Home preparation of children has to be paid a lot of attention, because
in the domestic modern schools the number of children in the class on average is 30 people, which
naturally reduces the possibility of the teacher to give individual attention to the child with special needs.
Question 7. Please share examples of how some of you took part in round table discussions,
conferences, working groups or committees together with officials (specialists of the authorities).
Give examples of close and regular work with government officials, local authorities, local social

Lottery Fund
23
welfare or education departments (examples include community councils). Did it help in solving
any problems of children with disabilities, their parents, or the centers?
In regions, parents actively participate in various events, work with representatives of various
bodies, though not identically. But the results of such joint activities that are useful for DCs may be noted
only in Issyk-Kul and Naryn oblasts.
Parents visiting the DC "Ornok" in Issyk-Kul oblast noted the close cooperation with the Mayor's
office of Karakol, which is implemented through the head Kazakunova G. As a result of this joint work,
the Mayor's office allocated premises in secondary school No.14 and provided partial assistance in its
repair. In addition, one of the parents at the beginning of 2015, together with Kazakunova G., took part in
a meeting of the coordinating council of the city:
Issyk-Kul oblast:
The first time I participated in such an event, unfortunately, I was a little embarrassed and could not ask
questions that worry us. The next time I will be bolder.
In Naryn oblast, according to participants of FG, events listed in the question are not held.
According to them, the head of DC "Ak-Bairak" is talking with the local authorities more than parents.
For example, "... through ayil okmotu and school director K. Mambetaliev we transfer the whole class in
an amount of 16 children to a school with a teacher, who will be registered as a teacher of the school. This
is generally the first case in Naryn oblast, or even in Kyrgyzstan".
Parents turn to the aiyl okmotu with pressing problems:
Aiymbubu, Naryn oblast:
The head of our AA took office last year and treated our problems with understanding. For example,
when I wrote a letter about the construction of a bridge in front of our gate, as it was hard for me to
cross a large ditch with a sick child, the AA during a month solved this question and built a bridge in
front of my house.
Parents in Talas oblast have reported that meetings of the territorial public self-government are
held quarterly, which are attended by specialists from various government agencies. Three parents -
permanent representatives of the DC regularly attend these meetings and address the problems and issues

Lottery Fund
24
of the DC to the appropriate authorities. A question was raised about the allocation of land for the
construction of a playground for the DC. And after writing a collective letter of appeal to the local
government the land was allocated. Also part of the parents took part in the last budget hearing of the
local kenesh and raised the issue of aid in the construction of DC. The issue was deferred.
In Osh oblast, parents are actively involved in joint events with local authorities and institutions.
In June 2015, mothers Turdukan and Aziza participated in the forum on "Civil Rights", which was
attended by representatives of the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Education. On
18 May a few parents attended the forum "Baldarga onoktosh" (Partnership for Children), which was
attended by Minister of Social Development Bazarbaev K.B., representatives of the Mayor's Office and
the Department of Education. However, the parents had no opportunity to speak about their problems and
issues.
Focus group participants in Jalal-Abad oblast have agreed that only one parent (Gulbakhor)
regularly takes part in sessions of the local kenesh, where one can express problems of the center and
children. Also part of the parents took part together with the Mayor's Office and administrations of aiyl
aimaks in the presentation of the network "Zhanyryk" and Autism organized by members of "Smile KG».
At the same time the issues related to any problems of children with disabilities, their parents, or the
centers, were not raised and, accordingly, were not solved.
In Batken oblast Tashtemirov M., head of the DC and some parents are taking part in hearings at
the local level. Some parents attend meetings of the local kenesh domiciliary. There is an example of
participation in the forum "Civil rights" where one mother asked one of the members of parliament
Ainura Altybayeva about compensation payments to parents for child care. But such an activity has not
yet yielded any result in solving the problems of DC.
Parents of children attending DCs in Chui oblast, in May 2015 met with the social development
specialists, discussed urgent problems. In particular there was announced a problem with transport for the
delivery of disabled children to the center. The same issue was raised in the budgetary hearings of the
local kenesh, where representatives of the local authorities promised to include the issue in the budget.
These activities have not had effect, the issue of transport for disabled children has not been resolved.

Lottery Fund
25
Question 8: Tell how do you participate in the activities of the day center which is in whole or in
part supported by the HealthProm project through a grant from Big Lottery Fund? Do you
participate in any of the seminars, information meetings organized by the staff and active parents
of the center after our training sessions and events. How does this training help you and/or your
children?
Of course, the degree of active participation of parents in the centers varies and depends not only
on the employees of DC, but also on the interest of the parents, their capabilities and desires. And if in
some oblasts the activity is limited to the practical application of knowledge acquired in training sessions,
in others oblasts parents are looking for their own ways and means to improve the living and education
conditions for their children.
Parents of the DC "Ornok" in Issyk-Kul oblast have noted the positive impact of training sessions
held by "Kelechek HealthProm". For example, training in music therapy has a very positive impact on the
development of parents and staff, helping not only the staff in conducting classes. Thanks to the practical
applicability of the training materials, it is not difficult for parents to conduct classes with their children at
home. There have been noted good results of this training. For example:
Issyk-Kul oblast:
Music therapy helps us to hold classes in the DC and at home. My child began to react to the sounds of
instruments, but a month ago it was difficult to attract his attention. Now with the help of certain
practical skills acquired at the training in music therapy, his reaction has become much faster.
Training sessions on music therapy held in the DC "Ak-Bairak" in Naryn oblast have the same
positive impact. For example, mother of Nurbek says: "... the volunteer music teacher at the local school
of Naryn oblast prepared children for music festival. Our children Nurbek, Aziret and Adina were able to
take second and third prizes". Exchange of experience with the DC "Ornok" in Karakol can be noted as
learning activities, as a result of which parents-activists installed charity boxes in the premises of Aiyl
Bank, Demir Bank, in the office of RSK Bank, in the stores Meder, Meerim and Adilet.
Parents also provide direct assistance to the DC "Tenir Koldo":

Lottery Fund
26
Father of Aiturgan, Naryn oblast:
I regularly help the DC to conduct repairs. At the moment I help to install plumbing in the kitchen,
which was renovated with the help of the German Embassy project.
In Talas oblast, parents of children attending the DC "Nur Bala" also have noted the importance of
ongoing project activities: training sessions on music therapy, development of volunteering and exchange
of experiences in Karakol. In all events the parents were actively involved. According to them, the
practical relevance and applicability of these training sessions is high, so parents themselves try not to
miss such events and involve new parents.
Mother of Aigokul, Talas oblast:
All parents and even family members took part in the casting of the foundation for the building of DC.
This work truly united us.
Father of Akylbek, Talas oblast:
Five parents, including me, have helped to install our charity boxes in large stores in Talas. Together,
we were able to install 3 charity boxes. Thanks to all the parents, someone helped to install these
boxes, others - to make them.
In Osh oblast there has been noted high practical importance of the activities of the DC aimed at
enhancing the capacity of parents of children with disabilities. After training sessions, active parents of
the center have started to implement this knowledge into activities useful for the center, parents and
children. For example, the idea of posting ads on the search for volunteers evoked a wide response;
mutual aid and mutual support of parents was stepped up:
Osh oblast:
 Thank you very much for your training sessions conducted for parents. They are not conducted in
vain. After training on volunteering (conducted by the center teacher Uulkan Akkozueva on
15.05.2015), we learned a lot and decided that the idea of hanging ads on the search for volunteers
was suitable for us. Actually many people in Osh still do not know how to use the information in the
Internet space.

Lottery Fund
27
 We began to perceive many things differently. For example, I and another mother got a driver's
license. My husband bought a car for me, and now I drive parents who live near us. Also I visited a
summer camp organized for active parents. I have a lot of positive emotions from training, we will get
together and select one day to hold such an event for other parents.
Parents expressed regret that in Osh oblast the center did not managed to conduct training in
music therapy, since parents had already heard comments from participants of the centers from other
oblasts on the usefulness and practical significance of this event.
In Jalal-Abad oblast, there was noted the importance and usefulness of training sessions on
volunteering and music therapy. The idea of posting ads in the local newspaper about the search for
permanent volunteers interested parents, although it was not yet implemented. The skills of music therapy
are used not only by parents for their children, but by children themselves:
Jalal-Abad oblast:
 My son comes home from the DC and conducts music therapy by himself. Not we for him, but he for
us. He asks relatives to sit in a circle and starts to perform the exercises they perform in the center.
This is the result of your training. (Smiles)
In Batken oblast almost all parents are active and take part in the activities of the DC. For
example, by strengthening the parent committee, one of the groups of parents draws up projects: recently
there was won a grant in the fund "Abilis" for the implementation of the project on social
entrepreneurship. The second group of parents is engaged in knitting, the third group organizes various
events. Thanks to the efforts of the DC staff and parents there were found sponsors for taking part in the
festival for gifted children with disabilities. As a result, one girl traveled to Naryn, took part in the festival
and won the first prize in the contest for singing.
In Chui oblast the results of the music therapy training attended by only a few parents of the
center are widely applied. In addition, parents receive periodic consultations on various issues from the
head of the center. However, parents have not noted the practical implementation of the results of the
work of DC staff and self-organized events or training sessions. Training on volunteering, unfortunately,
was not held for focus group participants.

Lottery Fund
28
IV. FINDINGS ON STUDY RESULTS
 Activities of DCs have an extremely positive impact both on the level of development of children
with disabilities and on their ability to adapt to the external environment.
 The centers are often the only organization able to prepare children with special needs for
secondary school.
 There is no single source of information about the DCs, which reduces access for all those who
need their services and involves an element of chance in attracting children with disabilities.
 A network of parent associations has been created at the regional level to promote and protect the
rights of children with special needs and their parents, the activity of which varies by regions.
 Geographical and infrastructural features of the regions of the Kyrgyz Republic reduce disabled
children's access to services of DCs.
 Information support from DCs is useful for promoting and protecting the rights of disabled
children and their parents.
 Lack of consultations and practical advice/training on access to and process of obtaining
additional medical and other services.
 Due to crowded classrooms and teachers' busyness, children with special needs are not always
able to cope on their own with the school program and take in the material.
 Improved attitudes to children with special needs, particularly by neighbors and their children,
thanks to the positive changes in behavior and social adaptation of children as a result of attending
day centers. But the attitude of others to the development peculiarities of children may not depend
entirely on specialists of DCs.
 Work with government officials, local authorities, departments of social protection and education
is carried out in regions with varying regularity, the results of such work are evident at the primary
level.

Lottery Fund
29
V. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are based on the above results of the study:
 Create or establish a single source of information from which parents would receive
information about day care centers (eg, departments of the Ministry of Social Development
at the local level).
 Open new DCs at the local level to improve access to basic services, education and
rehabilitation.
 Encourage feedback and enhance the interaction with the local authorities to effectively
address the problems of existing DCs.
 Increase the number and quality of consultations and training sessions for specialists and
parents on the rights, services and development of children.
 DCs shall strengthen cooperation with the local media to change attitudes towards children
and engage the support of the local community.
 Involve the local community to address the problems of DCs both in the form of human
resources (volunteers), and in the form of financial support.
 Partners of HealthProm project together with stakeholders shall develop and adopt a
national strategy for the development and support of day care centers in the country as an
alternative to institutional agencies.

Lottery Fund
30
VI. Glossary
 AA – Aiyl Aimak
 ARDI – Association of Parents of Disabled Children
 DC – Day Center, Day Care Center for Children with Disabilities
 ICP - Infantile Cerebral Palsy
 MR – Mental Retardation
 ICCO – Interchurch Cooperation Organization
 KR – Kyrgyz Republic
 MM – Mass Media
 PA – Public Association
 DDE – District Department of Education
 FG – Focus Group

Evaluation report HealthProm project impact on beneficiaries

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (11)

Similar to Evaluation report HealthProm project impact on beneficiaries

Similar to Evaluation report HealthProm project impact on beneficiaries (20)

More from Self-employed

More from Self-employed (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Evaluation report HealthProm project impact on beneficiaries