ABOUT CSK

Founded in 2004, Centre Social Kariat (CSK) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Salé, Morocco. Our purpose is to help children with disabilities and their families with love, compassion and commitment. Our vision is to empower children with disabilities through physical therapy, training, education, emotional care, practical help and giving advice and by that try to integrate them as far as possible into every day life in Morocco. CSK believes that all children are valued as individuals who grow, develop and learn. Despite their challenges, these children have the potential to live more enjoyable lives and make a contribution to society.

Our Story

The story of Centre Social Kariat (CSK) is strongly connected to the personal story of Louis Brosky, founder, director and ‘father’ of CSK. In the 1980's, Louis moved from Holland to Morocco with his wife and six children. Being a physical therapist, he hoped to find a way to help disabled children (mental and physical) and their parents by creating a place where they could feel at home. Over the years he learned what was needed in Morocco and worked out his ‘family-therapy-philosophy’. In 2003 he went to Kariat Oulad Moussa in Sale and roamed the streets in search of families with handicapped children. He asked them if they needed therapy. ‘Yes, please’, was the answer, ‘but we can not pay for it’. His answer was, as it is today, ‘I will do it for free’.

The message spread across Kariat and soon mothers began to bring their children. The first volunteers from the UK and Korea came to help Louis. The work grew rapidly, the numbers of children, and more importantly, the relationship with the mothers and their children grew. Louis’ family-therapy philosophy proved to be working. Mothers got involved in lessons on how to give simple therapy to their children at home. The locals from Kariat got to know the Centre and respected it for its special work. Acceptance and integration grew and mothers found it easier to take the step to open the door of CSK.

CSK grows in quantity and quality. More programs are developed and help to offer a wide range of support to the children and parents. More importantly, there is time to talk and to relate to one another. By telling their stories to each other and to the staff of CSK, they get heard, problems are being shared, help can be offered, and a family feeling is created.

OUR PROGRAMS

Therapy

For our physical therapy services, children with disabilities (mostly under age 12yrs) and their mothers come in the morning twice a week for 2-3 hour session comprised of physical therapy, playing, social interaction and loving care. We encourage mothers to take initiative for exercises of their children and provide training advice.

Children’s Education Classes

For children with mental or physical disabilities, we provide classes for reading, writing, math, foreign languages, computers, art, handicraft skills and others, each according to their conditions. Additionally, for children in primary school who have siblings with disabilities or may have disabilities themselves, we provide more advanced classes.

Women’s Literacy Class

Once a week women come in to learn basic reading and writing, math, and practical life skills. Fourth-year classes also have the opportunity to learn French before they graduate. These are provided primarily for mothers of disabled children, women with disabilities and local community members. By learning how to read and write basic words, people can grow in confidence and feel empowered to change their lives.

Sewing Class

Children and mothers come once a week to learn making simple cloths and other materials with a sewing machine or by hand. It gives great joy and refreshment in their daily lives. We encourage the mothers and help them sell their wares to people involved with CSK as well at local markets and bazars.

Swimming

We started swimming therapy courses in late 2010. Twice per week, 10-15 children swim at the Mohamed VI Handicapped Center in Salé for an hour, followed by coffee at the Centre. We have a group of volunteers (mothers, locals and internationals) who work with the children in a groups and one-on-one. The mothers get the chance come along and watch the children enjoy the experience and improve their swimming skills. The children have the opportunity to earn diplomas through swimming activities and compete in swim meets a few times a year.

Horseback Riding

Recently, children have been participating in horseback riding in Rabat. Thanks to the riding school at the Royal Complexe des Sports Equestres Dar Es Salam, 8 children from CSK have the opportunity to ride horses each week. Hippotherapy is a great way for the children to build strength and balance as well as giving the opportunity to bond with these amazing animals. It also gives a great story for the children to share with their friends and family.

Seminars

We offer occasional teachings or seminars on how to take care of children with disabilities, general health and hygiene. Also as many mothers and their children can be ill, we provide advice and information about their health.

Basic Medical Treatment

We provide medication and treatment for aches, cold, fever and minor wounds for CSK families.

Distribution

We are always ready to receive donations of medical or supplies for people with disabilities. This includes medication, wheelchairs, pushing chairs, walking sticks, diapers, various kinds of supports and tools. We also distribute new and second-hand clothing, shoes, bags, food and other materials to help those in need.

Neighborhood Assistance

Although we are primarily a centre for handicapped children, our services extend to the entire neighborhood. People feel welcome to stop by for advice, medical support, or other needs, making CSK an integral resource for Kariat.

CONTACT CSK

To learn more about how we serve the community, visit our Facebook page. To volunteer or make a donation, see below on how to contact us. Or better, (after the pandemic) please stop by the centre for a coffee and meet our families.