Daveyton Association for the Physically Disabled still going strong
The centre has since 2002 reached out to hundreds of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, the Daveyton Association for the Physically Disabled has been a beacon of hope over the past 21 years.
To date, it has reached out to hundreds of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities through its workshops and psychological services.
Establishment in 2002, the non-profit organisation offers computer training, life skills coaching, therapy services, self-sustainability and skills training including sewing, handwork, agriculture, woodwork and more.
Other programmes that they offer is home visits and learnership placements.
The workshops starts at 8:30 to 03:30 and beneficiaries are served breakfast and lunch.
According to ABET practitioner, Maqhinga Dumakude, the centre has recently introduced literacy and numeracy classes after realising that most of their learners are illiterate.
“Our classes are interactive and we use visual tools to educate them on various topics. We always encourage them that despite their disabilities, it doesn’t mean they cannot achieve anything in life. We also raise awareness of trending crimes and scams to protect them from being financial exploited because most of them get disability grants,” said Dumakude.
Board
As part of the centre’s efforts to accelerate service delivery for its beneficiaries and the community at large, a new manager, Kwanele Mbense, was appointed in February.
Six new board members were also recently elected.
Mbense shared some of the plans he has up in his sleeve for the centre, including improving courses and workshops to better equip beneficiaries with job skills for the job market.
“We are looking into renovating block A and B to allow for proper partitioning and extra space for classes and workshops. In regards to staffing of the centre, we will recruit a qualified administrator soon to join the new team and assist with improving our admin processes.
“When it comes to fundraising, the centre will do fundraising initiatives to allow for more training courses, workshops and expand some of the revenue-generating activities.”
Mbense said they are hoping to install a new playground or gym facility, improve security, buy new furniture, maintain the centres building and purchase new vehicles.
The organisation is calling on the public to assist in contributing towards the establishments of these projects and the centre’s sustainability.
To donate or for more information contact the manager on 072 368 5488 or visit their website/ www.daveytonapd.org.za.
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