Volcanic eruptions with expulsion of lava, balloons that inflate without the need to blow or know the genetic information extracted from the tomato are some of the Experiences approaching non-governmental organizations Scientific treatment To pediatric oncology units in some hospitals in Spain. Through scientific workshops developed during hospitalization or at home, Cienciaterapia aims to ease the acceptance days for children with cancer, foster interest in scientific professions and learn more about aspects related to the disease.
This initiative strengthens the awareness and awareness base aimed at spreading the International Childhood Cancer Day, which is celebrated on February 15 of each year.
“We want to search for the scientists of tomorrow and have the opportunity to enjoy science in a more enjoyable and close way, whether in hospitals or from home.” This is the message you send Jes Gómez, a young chemist from Huelva, promoter of an NGO After spending more than three hours explaining science to his 8-year-old niece in a way that adapts to youngsters.
“What struck me most was that such a nervous girl had been sitting for a long time, interested in science,” he said. In addition to this case, the discovery of cancer in his mother, which gave him a final push Promote awareness of the disease in all areas.
Hospitals in Spain
More than 5,000 patients and 6,000 relatives have accompanied the scientific treatment by about 40 scientists. Scientists volunteer their work to be able to conduct science workshops for children with cancer. In every city there is a team organized with hospitals to be able to implement it without interfering with the work of health professionals.
“Many say they want to become researchers so that other children don’t experience the same thing in the future.”
Jesus Gomez, Promoter of scientific therapy
The scientific treatment team is developing scientific workshops in nine Spanish hospitals:
- Infant Jesus (Madrid)
- La Paz (Madrid)
- Gregorio Marañón (Madrid)
- Ramon Y Cajal (Madrid)
- October 12 (Madrid)
- Mothers and infants (Badajoz)
- Virgin of Arrixaca (Murcia)
- Juan Ramón Jimenez (Huelva)
- Vasquez Diaz (Huelva)
Science from home
Aiming for children to empathize with the disease, Cienciaterapia promotes Home experience groups. Safety glasses, test tubes or test tubes are some of the items included in the kit to enable you to impart more technical concepts to children from 4 to 16 years old.
“We want to have a social impact and the children who attend the workshops from home realize that thanks to them, there are also children who can do the same workshops in hospitals.”
Jesus Gomez, Promoter of scientific therapy
As Gomez pointed out, the initiative Very well received by familiesWith the option of being able to conduct solidarity events such as birthdays or handouts that include scientific workshops among children.
He explained, “It is important to bring science to the ground and be able to explain it in a way that children, parents, siblings and grandparents can understand.”
Covering workshops Various branches of science such as ecology, chemicals, or physics They use homemade and easily accessible materials that seek to capture children’s attention while fostering solidarity. In this sense, the boxes containing the collections contain a printed message that can be read: “Remember, thanks to you, many children with cancer enjoy science workshops while in hospital, thank you for making it possible”.
get attention
Gomez points out, but bringing science closer to children is no easy task It is essential to capture their interest and “keep them in touch” through stories, visuals and homemade materials. Along these lines, Gomez highlighted the importance of spreading the role of women in science with stories about women and Nobel Prizes.
“They love experiences that involve Sudden changes in color And they do science through the elements they see every day like tomatoes or oil, ”explained their promoter. In this context, Gomez sheds light on, like One of the experiences I love most For children, hovercraft with music discs, balloons and earplugs that allow children to “race on hospital grounds”.
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