For some time we have been planning and preparing for caregiver training sessions in institutions that do not have Half the Sky programs.  These sessions are now underway.  One training session was recently held at Huizhou Child Welfare Institution in Guangdong Province.  Twenty-seven caregivers, middle managers and directors participated in the training led by Child Development Expert Li Lingxian.

The practical hands-on training session was just what the caregivers needed to help them discover the hidden potential of children, especially those with special needs.  Lingxian showed caregivers techniques for helping children with special needs feed themselves.  Then when given the opportunity the caregivers saw the children could be more independent at mealtimes. Taking another child out of the bed and putting him in a carefully prepared environment, showed the caregivers the child was far more capable than they imagined. One caregiver said she now understands there is potential in every child and is committed to giving all children the attention they deserve.  “Now I am hopeful about the children’s future.”