If there is one thing we know, it is that there are many kinds of people. With this we refer to the diversity in personalities, creeds, languages, religion, races and education among many other factors.
One of the many factors that can differentiate people is their ability to interact with the world around them. And, the interaction can be seen around affected by external or internal elements of a person.
With this in mind, we have had the opportunity to establish contact with La Fundación Fé. It is an organization that promotes the social inclusion of the population in cognitive disability condition and their families.
A cognitive disability
We consider that it is paramount to establish what a cognitive or intellectual disability refers to. It is a problem characterized by a delayed mental growth.
In return this will be an anomaly in the learning process, which refers to the late and incomplete acquisition of intellectual skills during human development.
As a result, there will be substantial limitations in the normal progress.
Cognitive disorder signs vary according to the particular disorder, but in m any cases common signs and symptoms overlap in most disorders. Some of the most common signs of cognitive disorder include: confusion, poor motor coordination, identity confusion and impaired judgement.
Cognitive disorders often begin subtly but tend to progress until they significantly impede the affected individual’s quality of life.
It is also important to understand that cognitive functions are the mental processes that allow us to receive, process and elaborate information.
This means that they allow us to take an active role in the processes of interaction, perception and understanding of the environment, which allows them to function in the world around them.
Cognitive skills allow us to carry out any task. Therefore, we use them to learn and retain information.
People suffering from this disability have a variable intellectual function.
All the activities we do require the use of our brain functions, which implies millions of neuronal connections.
The emotional imbalance is one of the most common symptoms. Cognitive impairment is frustrating, and those suffering from it often react with emotional outbursts and this makes getting help harder.
Some people push others away in an attempt to isolate themselves, only making the problem worse. On the other hand, others have dulled or nonexistent emotions.
The Fundación Fé
After establishing this information, we set out to talk with the Fundación Fé. Through an interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and intersectoral work, they provide all kinds of specialized health, rehabilitation, education and protection services.
Although all this sounds incredible we came to the conclusion that it was necessary to talk to them thoroughly.
Laura Viera A: How was this project born?
Cristina Rivera, Director of Fundación Fé: The Fé Foundation (Faith Foundation) is a non-profit organization, which was born on May 10th 1968 under the commitment of five mothers, and in response to the need of many families who attended the Lorencita Villegas Children’s Hospital de Santos, in search of care for their children with disabilities.
Until August 1999, its history was linked to the life of Lorencita Villegas de Santos Hospital. After it was liquidated, the Foundation faced the most significant challenge in its history: ensuring continuity of care for more than 250 people with disabilities and their families.
People need an opportunity for inclusion – Fundación Fé -(quote right)
Years have come and gone a lot of constant and dedicated work, the foundation has gained more strength. So much so that in 1975 the Ministry of Education authorized its operation as a non-formal education institution, which also included Occupational Training and Employment Service.
In 1983, they initiated the Early Stimulation Program and in 1988, they started promoting the right to Education through the experience of Integration into the regular classroom.
Likewise, the work of this foundation has received the recognition of Colombian society. They have received the Honorable Mention, awarded by the Colombian Society of Pediatrics – Bogotá, the Charity Award and Business Portfolio Award “95” Social Balance – Medium and Small Company.
Working for the long run
Laura Viera A: How did you get involved in this project?
Cristina Rivera, Director of Fundación Fé: I am a psychologist by profession, specializing in learning processes and child development and I have always been passionate about working with people with disabilities. I came to the Fundación Fe in 2001 and since then I have bet on the excellence of our services, always with the sole intention of improving the quality of life of those who need us the most.
Laura Viera A: What inspires you to continue?
Cristina Rivera, Director of Fundación Fé: The happiness of each user and the satisfaction of their families, to demonstrate to society what they are capable of and that they have come to the world to teach us the true language of unconditional love. It inspires me to be able to lead the restitution of their rights and be the voice of each one of them.
Needless to say that although helping is very important, many just talk about it and don’t actually do anything.
Today’s world needs people who can serve others. Helping fills our souls and hearts. For instance, there are hundreds of people who need our support, not only material, but emotional, and if we have the possibility of supporting them, it is our duty to do so.
We must understand that it all depends on putting barriers or allowing the participation of people with disabilities.(right quote)
It must be made clear that although much has been achieved, in our country, Colombia, there is still a lot to do. There is a continued lack of tolerance and acceptance for different people.
There is not enough understanding regarding the fact that although we are all human beings, we are not equal. Further more, that people with disabilities can participate in society, on equal terms, understanding that they need support to be able to do it correctly.
Because of this and until now, the most difficult thing has been the support of the Institution. The economic resources that were received a few years ago have dissipated over time.
Laura Viera A: If you were not doing this, what would you do?
Cristina Rivera, Director of Fundación Fé: I had never thought about that question. However, I do not see myself in any other activity than helping those who need me the most. I’ve been on this path for almost 18 years and I have learned things I couldn’t have any other way. Every day I thank God because he put me in the path of Fundación Fé and geve me the possibility to fill my life with these wonderful little people, who never stop teaching us to live.
Rivera assured us that one of the most complicated aspects has been the acceptance. There are some false beliefs about cognitive disability. Consequently people move a little away from them.
In all areas there are difficulties, in the family, in the school in the workplace. However, these are the challenges that motivate them to continue working for them.
How they achieve help
The Fundación Fé works through specialized services referenced in four major programs:
Nest of Strengths Program: For expectant mothers as a preventive measure against the occurrence of a disability and for nursing mothers who have had a child with a disability.
Childhood Program: For children 0-12 years old.
Teen, Youth and Adult Program: For over 13 years.
Protection Program: children and young people referred by the ICBF, because in addition to their disability they have some violation of their rights.
Providing specialized quality services in health, education and protection is a primary task. And, obviously to the restitution of their rights, to mitigate the risk factors to which they may be confronted.
They have several objectives. As a starting point, the construction of a new headquarters. They also want to increase the number of people who benefit from their word. They also want to have an impact in neighbouring municipalities to Bogotá.
From education, health, protection, family and community programs, comprehensive care has been provided to more than 6,000 people with cognitive disabilities. In fact, more than 12 thousand families have received orientation and have made aware hundreds of people and institutions that are somehow linked with disability (Universities, regular educational institutions, etc.).
The truth
In conclusion, Colombians and people in general need institutions like Fundación Fé.
We all need a helping hand. This are trying times and no one has to feel alone.
They work team strive to provide a space in which people are included.
And, it is sad to recognize it but people with cognitive problems face a society that often gives them back.
For example, many educational institutions reject them, because to the processes of inclusion in Colombia, they still need to understand this population.
The Fundación FE, has an amazing staff. They have more than 50 years of experience, their rehabilitation programs are recognized and their patients re extremely happy.
There is also a lack of solidarity and respect for difference. There is a lot of misinformation in all areas of society, in relation to people with cognitive disabilities. They help us open our minds and hearts. They remind us what it means to have faith.
