In remote regions of Peru, children with disabilities are too often forgotten—excluded and left without equitable access to quality education and healthcare. Their families face challenges, too. In the rural neighborhoods of Huancayo and Trujillo, where CMMB serves, stigma and discrimination remain a reality. This can take a devastating toll on the mental well-being of parents and their ability to care for their children’s needs. It was this challenge that brought Dr. Eduardo Castrillón Muñoz, a mental health expert to Peru as a CMMB volunteer.

CMMB supports children with disabilities through Rehabilitation with Hope, a comprehensive program that empowers children and their families. Children enrolled in the program participate in integrated physical, speech, occupational, and learning therapies. Their families are welcomed into a support community where they receive compassion and guidance from the program leaders. Dr. Eduardo is laying the groundwork to formally integrate mental health care into the program, starting with parents and caregivers.

In the reflection below, Dr. Eduardo shares his experience leading two mental health workshops designed to restore confidence, manage fatigue and depression, and strengthen the bond between families and healthcare professionals.

Following the sessions, 285 participants responded to a survey developed to understand the initiative’s impact and strengthen future support. The data showed that 95% of caregivers plan to use the tools they learned from the workshops in their daily lives.

“What I learned was the importance of family and how both new and old beliefs can influence our relationships.” – a caregiver and workshop participant.

Taking Care of Caregivers

By Dr. Eduardo Castrillón Muñoz

Dr. Eduardo leads mental health workshops for caregivers in Peru_2024

I went to Peru to lead two workshops. One targeted the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. My goal was to help them build strategies for managing depression and “Caregiver Burnout Syndrome.” The other workshop was developed for the CMMB teams in charge of the therapeutic interventions provided to children.

My experience working with both groups was wonderful. With families, we created an intimate atmosphere. It made participants feel safe when expressing the emotions that come with the unique experience of caring for a child with disabilities. Throughout this open dialogue, we listened to one another, shared strategies to manage stress, and recognized the resilience it takes to be their children’s champion.

Dr. Eduardo leads two sessions on mental health in Peru_2024

I must say that I have had the opportunity to work with many professional teams during my career. But the Rehabilitation with Hope team was the dream. There are so many positive observations to share. In addition to their enthusiasm, commitment, and engagement, they had the capacity and knowledge to truly help families strengthen and protect their resilience.

Leading these workshops has been a learning process. My experience revealed the importance of teamwork among not just the program staff but also parents and caregivers. I am left with the desire to continue my work with CMMB and the children and families they serve.

To all of you who shared this experience with me, I simply say, thank you.