Stichting Sam (Sam Foundation): Dolphins helping children
Dolphins are known as playful and intelligent animals and they love people.
Worldwide they provide a valuable contribution for therapy purposes.
In the Netherlands dolphin-assisted training courses are organized for instance by
Stichting Sam. The sessions take place in Dolfinarium Harderwijk and Sam cooperates
with CDTC (Curacao Dolphin Therapy Centre). Children can be enrolled for
dolphin-assisted training from the age of five. Stichting SAM focuses on children
with Down's syndrome or children with autism.
Dutch children as well as children from Curacao.
How does it work? Simply like this: children learn to train a dolphin by means
of intensive coaching methods. In close contact with the dolphin and with the help
of additional exercises these children learn to improve their skills in social
interaction. Playing and learning with the dolphin can also help to increase their
ability to concentrate.
This therapy can help the children to feel more confident about themselves and
is thereby an important support concerning their future.
Move boundaries
These playing and learning methods were developed by Dr. Dave Nathanson. He discovered
that children are very motivated to move their boundaries when they are in contact
with dolphins. Nowadays Dave Nathanson is the manager of the world famous dolphin-assisted
training center in Florida.
The approach was brought to the Netherlands by Stichting SAM.
Where does the name Stichting SAM come from?
Stichting SAM is named after Sam. Sam was born with Down's syndrome in 1997. Shortly
after his birth his father Richard Griffioen saw a documentary on dolphin-assisted
training therapy. He was so enthusiastic about what he saw that he founded Stichting SAM,
by means of which this therapy came within reach for Dutch children as well.
Richard's initiative has resulted into a foundation with a professional medical and
therapeutic staff and activities are made possible by enthusiastic sponsors and some
dozens of no less enthusiastic volunteers.
Richard still often witnesses the sessions in Harderwijk and on Curacao: It's exciting,
valuable and most of all a fantastic experience!
For further information, please look at
www.stichtingsam.nl
Stichting SAM
Postbus 492
1180 AL Amstelveen
E-mail: info@stichtingsam.nl
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Funds raised until date: € 2129,-
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Your reservation is great news!
If you make a booking for Kas di Bula, we will donate 3,5% of the rental
rate (villa only) to the SAM Foundation. This is offered to all the children
who desperately need the dolphin therapy.
This donation is completely available to the children's needs. At this time
it is a great wish to make it possible to buy wetsuits, which are needed for
swimming with the dolphins.
So your own holiday on Curaçao is a great help to children with Autism or the
Down Syndrome. Don't hesitate to visit the Saeaquarium while you're on Curaçao
as you will experience the amazing effects dolphins have on children.
To keep you fully informed about this project, we will give details in our News
Letter which is available every 6 months.
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NEDERLANDS
