INDOOR SWIMMING POOL BUILT AT CHILDREN’S HOME IN GYUMRI
17:03, 09 Feb 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has built an indoor therapy pool and
related amenities at the Children’s Home of Gyumri, which shelters and
provides care to children with physical and mental disabilities. The
project was sponsored by the fund’s Swiss affiliate.
The 30-square-meter, 70-centimeter-deep pool is complemented by a
dressing room, a shower room with a separate section for massage
therapy, and restrooms. Featuring a heating and ventilation system
for year-round operation, the pool is designed to provide access
to children with physical disabilities through a ramp as well as a
mechanical crane for wheelchairs.
“The pool is a great help in developing motor skills and strengthening
muscles through aquatic exercises. The medical staff will receive
thorough training in hydrotherapy,” said Children’s Home director
Ruzanna Avagyan in a phone interview. “The pool is also open, free
of charge, to children with limited abilities who live with local
families.”
Close to 130 children under six years of age live and receive
professional care at the Children’s Home. When they reach age six,
they’re placed in similar specialized facilities.
In 2011-2012, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund implemented a complete
renovation of the two buildings of the Children’s Home. The project was
sponsored by the fund’s German affiliate. Following the development,
the Fund reconstructed and furnished the playground, as well as
provided the orphanage with additional furniture and equipment.