Rome's Villa Alba, a clinic with a big heart

By Kim Navarra

ROME, May 9 - Only 20 minutes from Rome sits Villa Alba, a clinic that takes care of  handicapped children and disabled people. The hospital, at times, looks like a summer camp, as  the staff employ the latest alternative practices from music therapy to pet therapy.

And Villa Alba could use your help. The medical center welcomes student volunteers.

 

One of the striking features of Villa Alba is the emotional outpouring from the patients. It is not uncommon for many to reach out and hug a visitor. Sadly, some of the patients have been  abandoned by their families or receive few visitors, staff say.

The people under care in Villa Alba are well looked after by staff, however. One reason for this is the clinic's specialty: pet therapy. Patients are given the possibility of taking care of  a pony, rabbits, dogs, swans, sheep, ducks, birds, and doves, providing valuable lessons in nutrition and care. According to one coordinator, the animals seem to like the fuss. “If set free always come back," the coordinator said. 

During the day, the patients learn different arts and crafts; attend cooking courses, wood carving classes, and physical education. According to one of the clinic’s coordinators, these activities “stimulate creativity, and are a great occasion for socialization and gratification”.

If anyone is interested in doing some volunteer work or maybe donating some toys or clothes, the clinic is always accomodating. And, the patients have a small shop inside the clinic where they sell their own creations. The proceeds go back to upkeep of the facilities.