The Power of Collaboration: Transforming Lives Through Polio Rehabilitation, Therapy Training

By Hanna Abebe

A powerful partnership between the Rotary Club of Westminster, the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Sheger and the Cheshire Ethiopia Menagesha Rehabilitation Center has been making a profound impact on the lives of children and youth in Ethiopia who are in need of polio rehabilitation and therapy.

This inspiring initiative began with a compassionate act of service from Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Westminster, who travelled to Ethiopia to provide vaccinations to children during World Polio Day in 2019.
It was during this visit to the Cheshire Ethiopia Menagesha Rehabilitation Center that Rotarian Gabor Gasztonyi was deeply moved by the dedication and care being given to children with disabilities. Touched by what he witnessed, Rotarian Gabor returned to his hometown with a vision to bring rehabilitation and therapy training to these children in need.

With the unwavering support of his fellow Rotarians at the Rotary Club of Westminster, the project gained momentum and soon caught the attention of the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Sheger. Despite being a young club at the time, the members of the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Sheger eagerly embraced the opportunity to make a difference and took on the project as one of their Global Grants worth $72,000.

This collaboration marked the beginning of a transformative journey towards improving the lives of children and youth in Ethiopia. Under the guidance of the Cheshire Ethiopia Menagesha Rehabilitation Center, the project was implemented with great efficiency.
Mothers of children with polio and other disabilities were provided with invaluable training on how to support their children in their daily activities, including assisting them in using their artificial legs effectively. The program also included intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy services for children with polio receiving surgery, ensuring that they had the necessary support before and after their procedures.

In addition to providing direct care and training, the program focused on empowering mothers to become advocates for their children’s well-being. Through a two-week training period at the hospital each year, 80 mothers were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to care for their children at home. These mothers, in turn, became agents of change within their communities by educating other mothers on how to support their children’s needs.

As we reflect on the impact of this collaborative effort over the past five years, we are reminded of the transformative power of compassion, dedication, and partnership. Together, the Rotary Club of Westminster, the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Sheger, and the Cheshire Ethiopia Menagesha Rehabilitation Center have demonstrated that by working hand in hand, we can create lasting change and empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest.

The journey towards a world free from polio and full of opportunities for all children continues, fuelled by the collective commitment of those who believe in the power of service above self. Let us continue to stand together, united in our mission to make a difference and create a brighter future for all.