Khanyisa school shares hope
Staff at the special needs school hopes to empower its pupils, despite public myths and misconceptions, to become contributing members of the society. To assist the school the public is urged to support its vintage fundraiser.
DESPITE the gloomy weather on Wednesday last week, the atmosphere at the Khanyisa School and Therapy Centre in uMhlanga was warm and friendly. The centre, which is registered as a trust, aims to help children with disabilities and learning difficulties.
The Northglen News sat down with the centre director and occupation therapist (OT), Amy Rodger, in light of their recent annual fundraiser to be held over the weekend.
Rodger started the centre at the beginning of 2013 after she saw the need for a specialised school. “Many of the schools, even ones who are directed at special needs children do not accept children who have secondary diagnoses, and it is often the case where a child with who autism, for example, will also be diagnosed with a learning difficulty,” she explained.
The school began with two therapists, a remedial teacher and seven pupils. It has now grown to 35 full-time staff and 25 pupils. The high ratio of staff to pupils, she said, enabled the centre to tend to the children’s needs adequately.
“We have no admission criteria. Our aim is to provide hope to the children and their families. For the most part there is the misconception that children with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities cannot learn, cannot love and cannot contribute to society. But this is not true. We strongly believe there is no reason that these children, with the proper education and attention, cannot earn a tertiary degree or become contributing members of the society,” she said.
Join the centre for its first Vintage Collection Sale, to be held on Saturday, 1 August at the school grounds from 9am to 12pm. Browse through a collection of vintage dresses, shoes and accessories and enjoy delicious treats.
Contact 031 561 1863.
