Lusito Land enhances lives of differently abled people at Lusito School

WEMMER PAN LA ROCHELLE – The 33-year-old festival has donated proceeds to the school from its inception in 1981 and has substantially grown and sustained the top facility that caters for differently abled individuals from across Johannesburg.

“It takes a substantial amount of funds to run a school such as the Lusito School and we are reliant on the revenue earned from the Lusito Land Festival to maintain, grow and sustain the facilities,” said Naomi Contente, Lusito Association, “It is important to us that the public is aware that by attending the festival, they are doing so for the purpose of enhancing the lives of mentally and physically challenged people.”

The Lusito School, located in the South of Johannesburg, started off as a small day care centre and has developed into a fully-fledged school. Today, the school has more than 70 learners. The parents of the learners are offered invaluable support. They are kept up-to-date with their children’s progress and the educators are available for consultation and guidance. Presently the school cares for individuals with Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Down’s Syndrome and other syndromes.

Lusito Land was originally a festival that celebrated the Portuguese tradition and culture. Over the last three decades, it has evolved into a festival celebrated by the many cultures that make up Johannesburg and Gauteng. The Portuguese tradition has however been sustained in the wonderful traditional flavours of the fine cuisine that is an important facet in the Portuguese heritage.

Tickets are available at a cost of R60 for adults and R30 for children under the age of 12 and pensioners. Children under the age of three gain free access. Lusito Land is at Wemmer Pan, Pioneers Park, corner of 11th Street and Turf Road, La Rochelle. Open from 10:00 to 22:00 on weekdays, 10:00 to 23:00 on weekends and public holidays and 10:00 to 19:00 on Sunday May 4.