Table 9 Quotes on Kids Club contributions to psychosocial development

Shyness and self-esteem

 I have a child who was very shy and I always encouraged her to attend the club, where there are some club activities. I told her it would help her to get developed instead of staying home. She was afraid and she told me there are many children and they would look down on her. I told her, ‘No, they are all like you,’ and she did not have to be afraid. It encouraged her and thanks to that, she is no longer timid.” (Caregiver of member of 13- to 17-year-old club, Hôpital Sacré Coeur de Milot)

 “They show them how to live, they tell them that they have the same value as everyone; they don’t need to … worry because of the disease.” (Caregiver of member of 9- to 12-year-old club, Hôpital Sacré Coeur de Milot)

 “There was a way the child did not develop before. But they give them training, take them to other areas; they meet little friends … see new images... [that’s] what develops their minds.” (Caregiver of member of 9- to 12-year-old club, Hôpital Bernard Mevs)

Encouragement and hope

 “It helps them, it gives them the desire to live, they are not discouraged when they see that others care about them. It encourages them, they are not abandoned … It means that the child is not a lost cause.” (Caregiver of member of 9- to 12-year-old club, Hôpital Immaculée Conception des Cayes)

 “She tells me that she wants to become a nurse. But there was someone who told her that [because of] the illness she could not become a nurse … and that she couldn’t go on any trip because of the illness. When she comes to the club, they say it is not true; there is nothing you cannot do because [of] your illness.” (Caregiver of member of 13- to 17-year-old club, Hôpital Immaculée Conception des Cayes)

 The advice they give us through the subjects about this disease, not just telling us about its treatment, but the way they describe it, shows us how to behave facing this disease. I found it very important because when one is living with this kind of sickness it may lead to suicide. This [advice] helps me personally to move on, it also allows me to believe in my future, to believe that I can do a lot of things, and that the disease that I have cannot stop me. (Youth in 18-year-old + club, Hôpital Immaculée Conception des Cayes)

Happiness and well-being

 The children are happy, they are no longer in sadness. (Caregiver of member of 9- to 12-year-old club, Hôpital Bernard Mevs)

 “They taught us how to live comfortably in society, how to be a responsible man, and then to live well, better.” (Member of 13- to 17-year-old club, Grace Children’s Hospital)