A wheelchair-bound Alex child has lofty aspirations from becoming a doctor to police officer, soldier, pilot or truck driver, the list continues depending on his mood and latest exposure to the world around him.
Like anyone, it is from such dreams that we eventually find ourselves in occupations that eight-year-old Lefa Sebati keeps dreaming about and narrating to his mother.
He is a potential achiever in whatever venture he will pin his desire on if circumstances permit. This was said by Moeketsi Pompa-Pompa Setlhake, founder member of Ithabeleng Organisation for the Disabled where Lefa’s mother brought him for help with his educational and other needs.
“We assist where we can to ensure they [disabled] receive holistic support in education and services that suit all their needs,” said Setlhake who is also disabled. Children with disabilities, he added, required skills from a foundation level that would help them to cope with all forms of adversity later on in life. “They include daycare services, literacy, numeracy and others depending on the type of disability.”
Lefa who attends Nokuthula Special School for learners with special educational needs in Lyndhurst started school at three years of age. “He is intelligent and like others of his nature, needs challenging activities to make him realise his potential, and direct him to related career options,” said his mother Letha who commended schools and organisations which give disabled children a chance.
Setlhake who helps the disabled with school placements urged society, organisations and schools to take the plight of these children seriously.
“Go deeper to understand and help them with their intricate needs,” he said. “It will encourage them to know their potential, pursue professions relating to their strength and not fear competition from the able-bodied.”
He urged schools to engage disabled children in extra-mural activities for their physical and mental health, and sensory stimulation for the visually impaired. “School excursions are also good for their self and environmental discovery and will improve their ability to move around when challenging situations present in future.”
He encouraged families of disabled children to expose them to society. “It will improve their outlook on life, develop their coping [skills], help them access opportunities and reduce their reliance on the welfare system. “Grants are only to kick-start their adult lives and should not be regarded as a salary.”
Summing up Lefa, Letha said, “He is a bundle of joy, talks, is inquisitive, will make it in life, and needs that little help taken for granted by his able-bodied counterparts.”
Any support for Lefa can be forwarded through the organisation on 078 655 7326.
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