At our Senniad clinic we provide hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments to children and adolescents with chronic kidney failure, a disease that has an impact on physical, intellectual and social aspects.
Specifically, children who are on hemodialysis must spend 12 hours per week on treatment and several more hours on the way to the clinic. The foregoing takes away 3 days of the week for other types of activity, leaving only two days for proper social and intellectual development, taking away hours of schooling, leisure and physical activity.
With the aim of contributing with this situation, since 2018 Diaverum Uruguay, in conjunction with ANEP, offers an education program, with a teacher who provides schooling to all children with homework or learning support during hemodialysis sessions. We also have a physical education and Yoga program run by specialized teachers with recreational activities that promote movement and well-being.
This program, called Niños con Garra Charrúa, has been implemented in conjunction with the Association of Transplanted Patients of Uruguay (ATUR).
Through Niños con Garra Charrúa, we improve the quality of life, social integration and a better future for our children by providing school training tools and encouraging physical activity.
The impact and success of the project has been highlighted by all parties involved, but mainly by patients, their families and teachers. "It really is a very nice experience, mainly because the children feel good, entertained and it is key that they do not continue to lose hours of education. They go to school only twice a week and sometimes very tired, so they are behind their classmates. school," said Paola, Facundo's mother.
Cecilia, our teacher commented: "In relation to my activity this is really an innovation as well as a bigger challenge compared to entering a classroom, I have to plan these activities with a lot of flexibility".
"It has been a very important and good experience since hemodialysis patients have a problem with insertion and continuity with their scholarship. Cecilia has not only managed to level their knowledge, but also have the children expecting her with their tablets and phones turned off. When she doesn't come, they ask for her. This project was really necessary and a real success from different points of view", remarked Dr. Anabella Rebory, Medical Director of the Senniad Clinic.