Programme empowers the disabled to live independently
Young intellectually disabled adults will soon have a place that will enable and teach them to live independently, called the Place of Purpose.
Founded by Gwen Mckechnie from Meyersdal, this is a NPO that runs as a day care facility aiming to make a difference in the lives of learning-challenged young adults.
Mckechnie, who’s a financial director of five businesses, was moved to starting the programme after seeing a need to equip her disabled daughter Stacey.
The programme launched at the beginning of lockdown, where Mckechnie compiled packages with which her daughter and disabled friend successfully worked on.
According to Mckechnie, the entity aims to empower individuals aged 18 and above with learning and intellectual disabilities to live a productive and meaningful life.
Operating at the Alberton Methodist Church premises, they will officially open their doors on May 3.
Inception
Inspired by Psalm 32 verses eight, its programmes will assist beneficiaries in developing self-confidence and self-awareness.
“They will understand how to keep themselves safe from risks such as abuse, sexual exploitation, and extremism, including when using the internet and social media.
“They will also gin knowledge of how to keep themselves healthy – emotionally and physically – through exercising and healthy eating,” said Mckechnie.
She told the RECORD that students will also gain employability skills so that they are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
“Parents with children who live with young adults with learning and intellectual disabilities often accuse their children of being lazy and not doing anything.
“In many cases parents have come to so many closed doors because they have already given up on their young adults,” said Mckechnie.
She reiterated many of these parents are often so overwhelmed having to cope with a full day’s job, and having to still assist with the everyday jobs of their child.
“They don’t take the time or the energy to teach their children how to do their daily living activities. Just as we all learn new things every year, it does not mean that your child cannot learn anything anymore.
“Everybody has a natural predisposition to live an independent life,” said Mckechnie.
Their daily living activities will be broken down into many steps and reinforced until their students can master these tasks independently.
She concluded that what sets them apart is that they run an award-winning programme that develops skills for learning, work and life.
“We aim to improve student’s quality of life by developing their personal and social wellbeing and daily living skills. Their special needs programme has been developed for learners with a wide range of learning needs and abilities for successful outcomes” she said.
