CAFA sponsors independent programs within ANIQUEM.  We work closely with the staff at ANIQUEM to ensure that our assistance is being used effectively and transparently.  CAFA works in Canada entirely through volunteers and all funds raised go directly to support our programs in Peru. 

 

The following programs are in place:

 

Transport Program

As there is no other location in Peru that offers comprehensive rehabilitation for scarring from burns at no cost to the patient, burned children from the poorest sector of society find their way to ANIQUEM. CAFA welcomes these children into the transport program.  The various treatments require that the children and a caregiver return to the clinic on a regular basis. Therefore, with a large percentage of these families operating on incomes of less than $70. CDN per person/per month, bus fare even from within the city becomes an issue. Our transport program provides bus fare for each visit to the clinic.  In most cases a lunch is also provided.  Tickets for buses from outside the city are provided when a bus company cannot be persuaded to donate the fare.  These children typically come for perhaps a week three or four times a year.  The transport program will also fund the hostel accommodation which includes meals. In 2011 we are providing 30 - 40 trips per month.

 

Program for Capacity Building 

ANIQUEM and CAFA staff are all Peruvian and are trained professionals who could  benefit from attending courses or professional seminars.  However neither they nor ANIQUEM can afford the costs involved.  CAFA’s capacity building program  supports professional development for the staff at ANIQUEM. As examples we sponsored Jessica to attend a sewing course on pressure garments; we had Emily from Canada provide occupational health training; and we have supported skill development in public speaking.

In 2011 we have sponsored english training, a joint CAFA / ANIQUEM staff planning session and for Carmen a course in family dynamics.

Program for Prevention

CAFA sponsors prevention workshops and prevention tools such as pamphlets and posters.In 2010 our CAFA staff addressed mothers groups, community groups and schools.  This program is being expanded in 2011.

Recreation Program

CAFA provides full support for two 3 - day burn camps each year for ANIQUEM patients. In August 2011 we had our 9th camp with 49 burn survivors. This camp was sponsored by the Canadian Burn Foundation. These camps help both the physical and psychological recovery of the children.

 

The camps have become an event much anticipated by the patients.   Camps are coordinated by CAFA staff in Lima and supported by ANIQUEM staff and numerous volunteers.

 

See our CAFA Burn Camp videos at:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkxzd3GEf30

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AocuZNrq05A

 

Surgery 

CAFA has a program to pay for specialised surgery needed to regain motor functions or deformities caused by scarring due to burns. The  surgeries meet a need not available through the local health system. The patients are all from ANIQUEM.  In 2010 CAFA supported surgery that assisted 10 burn survivors.

In 2011 CAFA assisted in a surgery campaign lead by Project Outreach from the Alberta Children's Hospital in partnership with ANIQUEM. Project Outreach provided 14 medical staff and were able to treat 33 children with 116 different procedures.  

 

In  early 2011, Rolando, who had been waiting for over a year for surgery at the local hospital, was in such a bad way that he couldn't eat without becoming faint, due to scar dead tissue replacing the skin across the chest of his growing body. He finally underwent emergency surgery in a private clinic, thanks to CAFA.   

Capital improvements

CAFA is able to sponsor very specifc projects to improve the facilities to assist in the rehabilitation of the burned children. The first project started at the ANIQUEM clinic in late 2008 and was completed in early 2009. It included redesign and construction to improve the area for social services. The redesign provides a private office as well as waiting room and access to play area.

 

The second project was the installation of a hydrotherapy area containing a bath, washroom and related treatment facilities. In 2010 we completed a full renovation to the ANIQUEM 'banyos' providing space for boys and girls washrooms as well as handicapped facilities, laundry and overnight accommodation with shower for out of town patients. 

 

     

Scholarship Program

In February 2011 the first scholarships for ANIQUEM burn survivors were awarded. Following an application and selection process, five young women and four young men now receive financial help to stay in school. This help is in the form of school supplies and books, uniforms, school fees, and some transport and living costs.  CAFA has committed to continue help for those who progress satisfactorily. Our social worker and the ANIQUEM psychologist will monitor all recipients.