Lend a hand to help Hope School in Westcliff
WESTCLIFF – Hope School, which caters for 200 physically-disabled learners, is celebrating their 90th birthday this year.
Ninety-year-old Hope School in the heart of Westcliff appeals to the community for assistance in terms of volunteers and donations.
The school caters for the needs of physically-disabled learners from preschool to matric, offering a Caps curriculum and sporting and cultural activities.
Teacher at the school Nika du Toit said, “Many people have the idea that children with disabilities are useless and should be felt sorry for. But this is not the case. They want to be treated normally and have achieved amazing things.”
Acting principal René Becker said the school aims to give 200 children the opportunity to develop to their full potential, offering occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy to enhance the curriculum offered at other public schools.
“We are highly dependent on the community for donations. We are funded by the department, but unfortunately many parents carry a huge medical burden and cannot afford to pay fees and buy all that is necessary for the children,” said Becker.
The school appeals to the community for donations of nappies (from children to adult), food, art material, playground equipment for physically-disabled children and monetary donations. Those who would like to volunteer can also offer their assistance as scribes for learners during exam time, reading to young children and offering extra lessons in maths, English, accounting and science.
Hope School provides lunch for the children each day and offers boarding facilities for 130 children.
“A day working with these children is never the same. Every day is different and every child is different. I have to adapt my method of teaching for each child to assist them to reach their full potential,” said Du Toit.
“It’s rewarding to see their appreciation for every little thing. Every year when we have our school concert, it brings tears to my eyes to see what each child achieves, despite their challenges,” said du Toit.
She explained that many of the learners participated in the National Disabled Games in Stellenbosch in March, while their dance group also participated in the Arnold Classic recently.
To get involved, email principal@hopeschool.org.za
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