CAL Program Fiji

The CAL program is a training program that involves (C) competency based training, (A) assessment and consultancy and (L) local/community participation activities to address the needs of children with disabilities in Fiji.

The program’s main aims are: Immediate and tangible health solutions for children with a disability; Skill development for Community Rehabilitation Assistants (CRAs), health workers, parents, carers and teachers; Development of strategies for sustainability. Scope has been involved in the CAL program since 2008, with individual therapists travelling to different parts of Fiji to train local communities.

Scope is working on this program in partnership with the Spastic Centre of NSW, the Fiji School of Medicine (FoM), the Fiji Ministry of Health (MoH) and Australian Volunteers International (AVI).

Scope’s new International Development and Exchange Program coordinator is Aliesha.

Bruce, from the Eastern Region Specialist services team. Aliesha is one of three therapists who have been on placement in Fiji previously and is currently coordinating our fourth staff assignment as part of this program.

“Having the opportunity to work with the CAL program was a rewarding and positive experience both personally and professionally,” said Aliesha.

“I met some amazing people living with and supporting people with disabilities in Fiji and worked alongside a committed team of people who are increasing disability awareness, knowledge and inclusion in local communities.”

“I have developed a much greater awareness of the Fijian culture and developed my ability to build the capacity of individuals and local communities to support people with disabilities. It was
wonderful to be able to be part of an international development program making a difference for people with disabilities,” she said.

We are achieving terrific things in the region with 77 per cent of the participants feeling that community perception of disability had changed for the better as a result of the CAL activities.

There is also evidence that large proportions of CRAs had also passed on knowledge to their own friends, family members or neighbours.

For more information about Scope’s involvement in the CAL program or Scope’s International Development and Exchange Program, please contact Aliesha Bruce on 0419 130 017.