Off to school for child from Door of Hope
The young boy received an opportunity of a lifetime to attend a formal school.
In the past, Door of Hope Children’s Mission did not need to find formal education for the children in their care because most were adopted before the age of two.
For various reasons, the children at Door of Hope are older, and now the mission needs to find its charges more formal education.
Their special needs children take a bit longer to be placed in their forever homes. However, Mr D’s (a name used to conceal his identity) story is heart-warming. Born with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus, Mr D has been with Door of Hope since 2019.
He is the mission’s first child to receive a formal education at Frances Voerweg School – a school for learners with cerebral palsy and disabilities in Johannesburg south.
The Door of Hope’s medical, development and stimulation manager, Hannah Thompson’s dedication to Mr D’s development and her intention to adopt him underscores the importance of nurturing environments and loving caregivers in a child’s life.
Thompson approached Frances Voerweg to enquire if Mr D could attend school. She had no idea if it was possible for him, but the school accepted him with open arms. She was surprised at the impact of formal schooling and the care of dedicated educators, especially for children with unique challenges like Mr D.
“Since Mr D has been at school, he has shown so much more potential and growth than I thought he would be capable of with his limitations. He has been completely challenged,” emphasised Thompson.
Door of Hope’s donor engagement manager, Kathy Groome, said, “Education is not just about academics; it is also about socialisation, growth, and support. At Door of Hope, we believe in inclusivity, and Frances Voerweg School has shown us just what is possible.”
Mr D’s story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of education, compassion and community support in shaping the lives of vulnerable children. Initiatives like these make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Thompson is in the process of securing three more spaces for the children at the mission who require formal education. Door of Hope is thankful to Frances Voerweg School for allowing Mr D to gain knowledge and learn new skills.
