Julie Venter – strong with a heart of gold

Julie shares her motherhood journey and teaching children with special needs

2 hours ago

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Julie Venter with her husband Andre, her children Andries, Daniel and Tasha

When she is not teaching children with special needs or being present for her family, Julie Venter is working on her health and fitness.

“I set aside three times a week for gym sessions and twice a week at home with the kids doing some yoga. I take at least one hour a day for myself.”

Julie’s day begins at 4am, getting her children ready for their day before heading to work at a special needs school in Empangeni.

This role comes naturally for her because of her love for children.

“It makes me happy to see such special, beautiful children happy and the parents satisfied with everything new they are learning at our school,” she said.

“Working with kids with special needs takes time and a lot of patience.

“For me, that is no issue. I have the world’s patience and love for children; protecting them and their needs is a priority.

“It’s a privilege that the parents trust me with their children,” added Julie.
Family, grief and respect

Julie draws her strength from her upbringing and past experiences, including the loss of her first child.

“Motherhood was hard at the start for my husband and me. We went through the pain of grief with our first child who we lost at just three months old.

“After that, we had two more beautiful children and then adopted one more. Now we have three,” she said.

Julie says motherhood has made her a better person; more patient, positive and a powerful woman.

“I would go to the ends of the world for my children.”

Julie gives credit to her parents who, although divorced, showed respect for one another while teaching her responsibility.

“My father was a hard-working man; even on days he was sick, he would show up and do his best at work or at home.

“My mother was in a wheelchair, but that did not stop her from making sure there was an income,” said Julie.

“I was born in Empangeni but raised in Rustenburg until the age of 12, then moved back to Empangeni.

“As a kid, I lived on a farm with my father and grandmother, always having friends over. Sometimes we fed all the animals, other times we went horse riding.

“When I came back to Empangeni, I lived in town with my mother and grandparents. I made new friends and met my husband here,” she said.

Although her husband works in the USA, Julie expresses appreciation for the love and support of her in-laws.

“If I need something to be fixed and I can’t do it myself, I’ll ask my husband’s brother, or if I can’t pick up my children from school, I’ll ask my mother-in-law or call my cousin.”

Julie always stands rooted in love, respect and patience toward others, with a little self-love.

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