About the Koala Association

The Koala Association is a volunteer-driven ​organization ​dedicated to improving the lives of children hospitalized at ‌the Pediatrics ⁢department of the Pau Hospital Center (Centre Hospitalier de Pau, CHP) in France. Founded on the principle of providing joy‌ and normalcy, Koala maintains a daily presence with young patients, supported by strategic​ partnerships,​ notably with the Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées rugby ​club.

the association’s core mission is to alleviate the fears and anxieties associated with hospitalization by offering⁣ children opportunities for play, expression, and connection with the outside world.

A Multifaceted Approach to Healing Through Play

Koala employs a variety ⁣of intervention methods centered around facilitating interaction ⁤and ‌emotional well-being. Activities include listening sessions,creative arts,games,storytelling,music,and manual crafts like painting. These activities are conducted⁢ in both small and‌ large groups, and are also incorporated into special events such as Christmas and Carnival celebrations.

According to Corinne Teixeira, President​ of the Koala Association as 2014, the beliefs is simple: “continue to ⁣play, communicate and live yoru childhood even during illness.⁤ As with an adult, a child’s recovery is 50% due to his morale.” ⁤ The association focuses on creating a positive habitat, allowing children to ‌express themselves and, importantly, providing a supportive ⁣ear for⁢ both children and ⁢their parents, all while adhering to strict medical confidentiality.

Inspired by ⁣Personal Experience

Corinne Teixeira’s commitment to⁤ the koala Association stems ‍from a deeply⁣ personal experience.‌ Prior to her involvement, she worked ‍as a saleswoman in a bakery and pastry shop. Her mother’s hospitalization in Bordeaux hospital exposed her ⁢to the emotional distress of young​ patients.

Teixeira recalls a notably poignant memory: “My mother was⁢ hospitalized in Bordeaux hospital. The⁤ service ⁣welcomed adults, but also children. Across​ the street ⁤from his room was a ⁤six-year-old girl on dialysis. The children were not allowed to have visitors ⁤and‍ when she saw ⁢the nurses coming to take her for treatment, she would start screaming. I can still hear his screams, decades later.” This experience fueled her desire to create a more supportive and‌ joyful environment for hospitalized children.

Dedicated Volunteers and Consistent Support

Currently, the ​Koala ⁣Association relies ⁤on the dedication of 31 regular volunteers‌ who provide consistent support to children at the Pau hospital site. Their commitment ensures activities are offered‌ six days a week,⁢ throughout the year. This consistent presence is ‍crucial for ‍building trust and providing ongoing emotional⁤ support to young patients navigating the ‍challenges of hospitalization.