Joy brought to children living with disabilities
In 2015, the partnership between Thanda and Beiersdorf commenced with the building of six Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms.
Thanda Community Centre in Mtwalume, in partnership with Beiersdorf, recently developed an inclusion programme for children with disabilities.
According to the centre, one in six people is estimated to be living with a disability of some form, adding that there is a lack of statistics available to indicate the severity of the situation, which makes it challenging to heighten awareness and get support to those who need it most.
In 2015, the partnership between Thanda and Beiersdorf commenced with the building of six Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms.
In 2019, both Beiersdorf and Thanda identified a critical need in the community to reach children with disabilities.
The founder of Thanda, Angela Larkan, said it was their dream to be in a position to support these children and their families and make a positive difference.
“The children’s disabilities include Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and Hemiplegia. We commissioned a local inclusion speciality organisation, Siyakwazi, to assist us in consulting with these children and their families. The inclusion programme officially started in 2020 with five children,” said Larkan.
Since 2020, she added, Thanda has positively impacted the lives of 41 children and 59 primary caregivers through the programme.
Larkan said these children are supported through home visits and therapy programmes facilitated by locally trained inclusion assistants.
She said through funding from Beiersdorf, Thanda provides assisted devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.
She added that every programme Thanda implements is deeply interconnected by working with individuals, children, households and community neighbourhoods.
Larkan said Thubelihle Mbhele’s story served as a prime example of the approach.
“Despite facing extreme barriers due to Hemiplegia, 17-year-old Thubelihle found purpose and joy in the Gogos Arts and Crafts programme. Thubelihle’s life has been enriched by the gentle art of beading, guided by the skilled hands and warm hearts of elderly artisans. In our rural community of Mtwalume, where opportunities for these children are limited, the collaboration of our inclusion programme with our Gogos Arts and Crafts programme has opened new doors of possibility. He sees the potential this skill has in helping him realise his dreams while making a living and becoming more independent as he enters early adulthood,” said Larkan.
Meanwhile, Beiersdorf South Africa’s CSR Manager Carla Rowe said Thanda’s inclusion programme is well aligned with Beiersdorf’s sustainability agenda, Care Beyond Skin, which seeks to enhance inclusivity in society and achieve sustainable advancements in environmental and social protection. It’s been so rewarding to see the programme flourish and change lives.
Godwin Harrison, Managing Director of Beiersdorf Southern Africa said: ” In 2023, Beiersdorf implemented its first-ever global volunteering day – Care Beyond Skin Day, an initiative that involved over 10 000 employees volunteering at over 100 local and global charity organisations in 68 countries. Employees worldwide are allowed to devote one workday to supporting various social and environmental projects. We are thrilled that our South Africa team volunteered again at Thanda, a community which is so close to our hearts.”
He added that a highlight was the collaboration with the Gogos Arts and Crafts team to create weighted blankets, vests and sensory dolls as resources for the children in the programme.
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