Red Cross Haugland Rehabilitation Centre has started up a new programme for children who have overcome brain cancer. The group consists of eight children between the ages of 9-17 years old, who mostly have been through surgery and chemotherapy. The aim with the project is to handle everyday life after cancer treatment, prevent late effects and achieve better functioning physically, socially, and cognitively. Five of our students have been given the opportunity to assist with this two-week programme. In collaboration with staff from Haugland, they have tailored a plan of activities to accommodate the needs of all the children in the group. These have included everything from art projects to introductory karate sessions. The main focus has been to involve the children in activities that are fun and relating to what they can do back at home. Over the first week, there have been many smiles and much laughter. A rewarding experience for our students in a mutually enriching framework.

One of our participating students, Jesper (Denmark) wrote:

We are five students lucky to have been given a chance to assist Haugland Rehabilitation Center with their two-week programme for children who have fought, and beaten brain cancer. In collaboration with staff from Haugland, we tailored a plan of activities to accommodate the needs of all the children in the group. Our main priority has been to involve the children in activities that are both fun and ‘ordinary’. After all, they just want to be treated like normal children. Over the first week, we have smiled, and we have laughed. Hopefully, the children will stand at the end of the programme looking back on 14 days where they have bonded and rejoiced with everyone involved. As participants, we have indeed been reminded of the happiness that selfless aid brings. We express our sincere thanks to Haugland Rehabilitation Center for giving us this wonderful experience.