Your contribution can make a difference to a disabled kid
"They are taught sign language together with their parents so that for the first time in their lives they can communicate with one another,"
MBOMBELA – Two prominent figures in the Lowveld hope to brighten up the lives of disabled children in the community.
Leanie Erasmus of Communio Church and Jacques Lombard of the Timeless Group recently launched a project called “Adopt a Child”- an initiative aiming to encourage the community, corporates and individuals to offer their support by paying the school fees of a learner enrolled at KaMagugu Inclusive School.
This is one of 30 schools of its kind in South Africa where multiracial learners with mild to moderate learning barriers, as well as those in serious need of support, are enrolled.
The school currently has 334 learners, mostly with multidisabilities, and another 120 on the waiting list.
According to Lombard 80 per cent of the families, however, cannot afford the annual school fee of R550 per child per year.
“The school is supported by government, but there are still many needs and expenses to be covered as the school also provides a daily meal to the learners,” Lombard explained.
According to him in many cases this is the only meal for the day they have.
“The school grant received from government is insufficient and hence the school relies on sponsors and the business community to assist them in providing these children with the best support possible,” he added.
Another great concern according to Lombard, is the abuse of these learners at their homes. According to him this often stems from various reasons such as parents experiencing extra financial pressure due to additional costs associated with physically challenged children.
This, said Lombard, includes the amount of care necessary to support them and also the complexity to work with these children that result in the increased frustration of those who care for them. Attending a school where personnel are trained to work with children like this, is thus of utmost importance.
There are currently 47 staff members at Kamagugu Inclusive School, comprising competent teachers who have the necessary skills and knowledge on how to take care of the pupils.
Deaf children are also accommodated at the school. “They are taught sign language together with their parents so that for the first time in their lives they can communicate with one another,” Lombard added.
Lombard and Erasmus humbly request the community to show their support and make a difference by “adopting a child” and pledging R550 towards a kid’s school fee.
Enquiries: Lombard on 071-484-5202.
