ERMELO – To open a school and be able to provide for children with special needs was always one of Gerda Smuts’s biggest dreams, and up until three years ago she would never have thought this would became a reality.
Smuts obtained her bachelor’s in education in 2009 and began teaching at Hoërskool Ermelo.
A few years later she accepted a position at Netherland Park Secondary School, and although she has a passion for children and teaching and enjoyed every moment at both schools, she felt the need to do more.
She always spoke to some of her friends about her dream to open a school for special needs children, but it just never felt like the right time.
In 2019, Smuts impulsively decided to quit her job and follow her dream.
Smuts said she had a calling from God to open the school, but knowing the costs to set it up, she was a bit hesitant and tried to stall.
In this time she met one of her current learners who did not do well at his school, and she knew that she could make a difference in his life.
She opened her school, called Prism Training Centre, in 2020 shortly before Covid-19 hit.
“Two parents who desperately wanted the school to keep its doors open, helped us through this tough time, and we knew that after that we could not just give up on a chance to give these children a place to feel loved and safe.”
During Highvelder’s visit to the school, Smuts introduced all the children and proudly extolled each one’s accomplishments.
Any donations of food, toys or maintenance materials will help Smuts and her assistant, Khetiwe Dlamini to continue to make a difference.
If anyone in the community would like to make a donation, contact Smuts on 084 427 9730.
Donations to the school can be made to this account: Prism Training Centre, FNB, branch code 210835, Gold Business Account, number: 63012398061.
Read the complete article in the Highvelder.
