Fun galore at annual Browns’ School fete

JOIN in on the fun and festivities at the annual Brown’s School Fete, 28 Mariannridge Drive in Pinetown from 8.30am until 3pm on Saturday 7 September.

This is a prestigious event and should be marked on every Highway resident’s calendar as there is fun to by had by the whole family.

In 1952 a group of eight women were persuaded to raise funds for the benefit of children with Cerebral Palsy and their families. After gaining some publicity for the cause the chairman asked if she could remain anonymous, saying “Just call me Mrs Brown.” The rest of the group followed suit, and so the name “The Browns'” began.

Initially intended for a respite holiday home, it quickly became a centre for therapeutic purposes, and finally in 1964, a school.

The first fete took place in 1954 and was said to have been a mammoth event. Since then, it has always taken place on the first Saturday in September.

The event is run by the IDC Committee and an army of volunteers, including service clubs (Round Tables and Lions), parents, and many past parents. It’s the biggest fete of its kind in the country. The fete is also the school’s largest fundraiser.

There are currently 364 pupils enrolled at Browns’ School, with a very large staff, and a proud record of success in the development of each child that has passed through its system

The Browns’ School provides a unique opportunity for the holistic development of its special children, enabling them to actualise their potential to the greatest degree possible.

These children all have qualities and character traits to be nurtured, encouraged and enjoyed. They all deserve to be treated with respect, loved and appreciated for who they are.

They range in age from three to 17 years old, are from all backgrounds regardless of race, religion, income levels or any other criteria.

Most of the learners work to a modified and individually tailored programme with specialized support. Learners are facilitated in every way possible, that they might overcome their barriers to learning, and go forward.

The only criterion valid for admission to this school is that the child fits in with the range of disabilities that we cater for, can be helped by our system, and has a need for the specialised education we provide.

This specialised education is currently offered from pre-primary level. Children with academic capacity can complete Grade 7 with the school, and then move on to mainstream schools. There are also some schools who cater for special needs and offer education to matric level.

“What value can be placed on a child saying “I love you daddy” after 6 months of speech therapy and not being able to say a word beforehand, this is the kind of success that the school can have with a pupil who suffers with Cerebral Palsy,” said Jane Noble, income development director at Browns’ School.