Rioni School for the Deaf
Rioni School for the Deaf is located in Kutaisi and is the only such facility in the western region of Georgia. Presently they serve 54 children/youth from ages 6 through 17 and many of the children also have physical disabilities in addition to being deaf. The children are generally from very poor families who are completely unable to give them the special care they need, not to speak of nutritional meals and medical care. Furthermore these children are around others who are deaf and not isolated at home, which would be the reality if it were not for Rioni.
The Director, Irina, and her wonderful staff encourage these at-risk children by providing a safe haven for them and offering such things as drama, sports, special classes designed for their particular needs.
Thanks to Sponsor-a-Child these children are given hot, balanced meals and receive medical and dental check-ups and the necessary medications. In addition to these life-essential basics we have found private donors who have underwritten a hairstyling workshop (taught by a deaf hairstylist), paid for special medical testing of some of the children, provided hearing aids, built a weight-room, provided art and sewing materials, renovated the gym and classrooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. We built a library and had a private donor pay for all the utility bills this winter so the children would have heat. These are just a few of the things which have been accomplished to improve the lives of these precious children and youth.
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