For children spending weeks or even months in hospital, keeping up with schoolwork can be nearly impossible. Between treatments, limited space and overcrowded wards, many are forced to study on beds, bedside tables or not at all. Now, a new initiative is aiming to change that.
A partnership between MiDesk Global and long-standing supporter ADS Insight in Belgium will see 110 MiDesks distributed to paediatric wards at public hospitals across Gauteng, helping hospitalised children to continue learning while receiving treatment, says the duo.
The campaign was inspired by a simple moment witnessed by Steve Biko Academic Hospital's Head of Paediatric and Child Health clinical unit, Professor Jeané Cloete, when she saw a young girl using a MiDesk to do homework while patiently waiting for hours at a rural clinic.
Recognising the immediate value of the portable study station, Cloete contacted MiDesk Global, a non-profit organisation working to reduce educational inequality, leading to an assessment of the paediatric ward at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, adds the duo.
Wards Built for Recovery, Not for Learning
"What we found highlighted a major gap," says Talita Boodhram, MiDesk Global Chief Impact Officer. "While hospitals are designed for medical care, they are often not equipped to support children academically during extended stays."
As a result, a total of 110 MiDesks have been allocated to Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Sebokeng Hospital and Klerksdorp Hospital — with the official handover to Steve Biko Academic Hospital taking place on Tuesday, 26 May, says the duo.
"This campaign addresses a critical intersection of healthcare and educational infrastructure. When children are hospitalised for extended periods, they are not only fighting illness but also fighting falling behind in their education," Boodhram says.
Broodhram adds that providing these desks to paediatric wards helps restore a sense of normalcy for young patients. "Because the MiDesk is wheeled, staff can easily bring the desk directly to the child's bedside, and its foldable design means it can be safely stored out of the way when medical teams need space."
"Education should not be limited by a child's environment. Children should be able to read, write and study with comfort and dignity whether they are at school, at home, in a clinic or in a hospital ward," says Boodhram.
For Children, Every School Day Counts
Professor Cloete says that the initiative would make a meaningful difference for children receiving long-term treatment.
"In many wards, there is very little dedicated space for learning. Teaching often happens on bedside tables, beds, or small makeshift surfaces. MiDesks create a proper workspace where they can sit comfortably and focus on their schoolwork while they recover," adds Professor Cloete.
She says that continued learning during hospital stays remains vital for children's development and education. "Many children are in hospital for long stretches because of their illness or treatment. Missing weeks or months of school has a real impact, so they try to keep up with core subjects while they can."
"Hospital environments are challenging. We have a hospital school. Teachers come into the wards with learning material and support the children directly. This roll-out will make teaching easier for them," adds Cloete.
The desks are made from lightweight recyclable materials and align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals linked to education, health and sustainable development.
"As a long-term partner and sponsor of MiDesks we are proud to be able to support such an important initiative. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of their circumstances. Something as simple as having a proper workspace can restore a sense of routine, comfort and hope for a child during a difficult time and hopefully these desks will make a difference to the many children being treated in these paediatric wards," concludes ADS Insight Founder, Aida Bakri.
For more information, visit www.mideskglobal.com. You can also follow MiDesk Global on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor