Lennie is 12 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. When Matilda (Ripple Africa’s project coordinator) started to make regular home visits in 2017, Lennie was unable to walk or talk. Therefore, Matilda taught the grandmothers exercises to do with Lennie to help with speech and to strengthen her legs. The grandmothers were then able to carry these out on a daily basis.
Equipment such as parallel bars to allow Lennie to first pull herself up and then walk, followed by a walking frame, were also given to the family. A splint was fitted to try and straighten her legs but unfortunately, this proved to be too uncomfortable and painful for her. However, Lennie is now able to walk independently. She is also talking and although she has some speech impediment, her family understand her and her needs.