Special Needs Support
Special Needs Support
Volunteering is a unique opportunity for people; it gives a chance to make new friends, grow as a person, and develop new skills and a sense of pride. We, 3 medical students Elene, Tata and Sesili, took this responsibility and decided to volunteer for people with special needs in Croatia. For us It was more than just an act of service as we gained values and skills which will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Our passion for medicine has always encouraged us toward success and new adventures, but this program connected our medical knowledge with the human side of medicine. First, we should say how it all started. I want to mention a significant contribution by our university in shaping our desire to care for people with disabilities.
Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) presented us with the project "Babale", in which we participated and became frequent visitors of the day center, the time we spent there and the things we learned helped us to realize how important our support is for them. That motivated us to actively seek similar volunteering opportunities abroad, hoping to broaden our knowledge and contribute to special needs support on a global scale. That is how we ended up in a beautiful city called Split. We will always remember this period as 2 weeks full of magic and happiness. We were introduced to a group of people in the city center, they had different types of disabilities, physical and intellectual; however inclusive and in a friendly environment, which made everything more pleasant. Our responsibility was to assist them with their daily tasks, attend supportive therapeutic sessions with them, and increase the feeling of normalcy and inclusiveness. Nevertheless, the most amazing part of this journey was the art and crafts with them, which developed their motor skills and creativity. It was an emotional experience for all of us, as we witnessed both the struggles and triumphs of the special needs community in Croatia.
“For me, the realization that the individuals we were helping were not defined by their disabilities but by their unique personalities was eye-opening. At first, I didn't know how to approach them, but over time, I began to see their strengths, their victories, and the ways they communicated, often without words, It shifted my perspective on what truly matters in healthcare, it’s not just the diagnosis or treatment, but to understand and communicate with the patient."- Tata
“Building Meaningful Connections, the most profound part of the experience was witnessing the bond that was formed through genuine care. I remember one child who initially wouldn’t even make eye contact with anyone, but after several weeks of spending time with him, playing games, and simply being present, he started smiling when I entered the room. This connection was the most amazing little step I took towards him, and it was the most precious thing I felt there. I remember He had a special bond with animal toys, his favorite pig and zebra toys, which he took everywhere with him. -Elene
“I found myself particularly drawn to the therapy sessions. I have always been interested in physical medicine and observing how specialized therapies could make a difference in improving mobility and quality of life. I was amazed by the patience and dedication of the therapists. It showed me that to see the effective results, it is necessary to put effort consistently - Sesili.
Croatians have a unique tradition of coffee drinking. They taught us that coffee time is not just about drinking coffee; it's a cherished ritual that gives people a feeling of harmony, connection, and calmness. Time spent there made the coffee break as important for us as it was for the locals.
Every day we would take 2-3 beneficiaries for a walk along the beach, watching the sea and the beautiful nature of Split, enjoying the moment with a cup of coffee in hand. This simple daily activity was very important as it helped them to learn how to act in public places. They learned that drinking from another person’s cup is inappropriate. On top of that, it was an opportunity to feel included and a part of society. The combination of the walk and a coffee became a small, yet meaningful way which was enhancing our connection with them. It showed us how small, yet thoughtful gestures can make a big difference in someone’s day. After reconnecting with nature, they were more childishly happy and healed from the daily stress.
We remember there were days when we felt utterly exhausted, emotionally and physically, but the moments of joy, when a child laughed or a parent expressed gratitude, made every challenge worthwhile.
By the end of our time in Croatia, we left with more than just medical knowledge. We gained a deeper understanding of human nature, the importance of inclusion, and the role healthcare professionals play in supporting the emotional and mental well-being of their patients. We also made lasting friendships with the people we helped, as well as with other volunteers and local professionals. our love for the people we were caring grew so much, we made a promise that we would undoubtedly return to see them. We have contact through social media with one of the caregivers, and she always sends us their photos.
The program reminded us that being a good doctor is more than just diagnosing and treating; it’s about seeing the person, not merely their condition.
Returning to our studies, we found that our experience in Croatia had altered our approach to medicine in profound ways. We became more empathetic and patient and placed greater emphasis on building trust with our future patients. We also took away a deep desire to continue working with the underserved population.
This experience inspired us to launch a social project in Georgia, with the help of our university, aimed at improving the support system for individuals with special needs. Our project focuses on enhancing accessibility, fostering community inclusion, and advocating for equal opportunities, to apply the valuable lessons we learned in Croatia to create a meaningful impact in our own country. Volunteering may be about giving, but in this case, it was we, the three medical students, who received the greatest gift – a transformative experience that will influence our careers and our hearts for years to come.
Elene Sajaia
Tata Tatalashvili
Sesili Lazaria
