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East NPO to expand support to children with mobility, speech impediments

The centre in the east of Pretoria has been supporting children with special needs who often face profound challenges, including limited mobility and communication.

An east of Pretoria-based non-profit organisation is dedicated to supporting children with developmental impediments and special needs.

The Baby Therapy Centre (BTC) aims to expand its services to reach more disadvantaged communities.

The centre supports children with special needs, who often face profound challenges including social isolation, limited mobility, and communication and sensory processing.

BTC addresses these issues through therapy.

Fundraising manager Olga Mocanu said the centre aims to extend its reach beyond its walls this year.

“BTC is committed to serving underprivileged communities and low-income families. Through targeted outreach initiatives, the centre provides assessments and therapy for children who might otherwise lack access to such vital services.”

Mocanu said the centre plans to launch new outreach programmes to assist underprivileged communities further.

She said they aim to make therapy services accessible to all, regardless of financial standing.

“Through our outreach programmes, we provide therapy services to disadvantaged communities and children who would otherwise not have access to quality medical care.”

According to her, the centre tries to include the child’s family and invites the community to their therapy programmes.

“Children with disabilities have limited possibilities for independence and are reliant on parents and caregivers to provide for them in situations like bathing, dressing up, and feeding.

The inability to communicate verbally can be very frustrating to a child as they are unable to verbalise their needs when ill or in pain. This can be life-threatening in certain situations,” she said.

“A cornerstone of this effort is the continuation of the Godfather Project, a beloved initiative that has profoundly impacted the lives of children and families in need.”

She said reflecting on 2024, one of BTC’s notable achievements was the growth of the Godfather Project.

“This initiative has been instrumental in covering the cost of therapy and daycare for low-income families and children from places of safety. Since the inception of this project in 2022, dozens of children received the care they needed to thrive. However, the year was not without its challenges.”

Mocanu said financial constraints posed significant hurdles previously, with fluctuating donor contributions and rising operational costs.

“The team’s tireless efforts to secure additional funding, coupled with the unwavering support of staff, volunteers, and partners, enabled the centre to overcome these obstacles.”

She said the community plays an integral role in BTC’s mission and could volunteer to get involved.

Group Speech Therapy. Photo: Supplied.

Ways to get involved, including:

Donations: Financial contributions help sustain and expand BTC’s programmes.
Sponsorships: Corporations and individuals can sponsor specific programmes or “adopt” a child.
Spreading Awareness: Sharing BTC’s mission through social media and personal networks helps reach potential supporters.

Mocanu added that by joining forces with BTC, the community can help create brighter futures for children with special needs.

“Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Anyone who requires further information on how to help can contact the centre on 012 348 2060 and www.babytherapy.org.za.

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