community*
Beacon of
HOPE
IT’S FRIGHTENING TO THINK THAT IN KZN ALONE THERE ARE AROUND 120 000 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WHO ARE CURRENTLY NOT IN SCHOOL – BUT THERE’S A LIFELINE AT HAND TUCKED AWAY IN THE SUBURBAN HEART OF UMHLANGA, WRITES CATHI WARRINER
K
hanyisa Developmental Centre, a registered trust and Public Beneficiary Organisation, is a place “where light comes from” (the Zulu meaning for Khanyisa), a safe haven of hope, preparing a better future for students who have previously been sidelined. Not only is Khanyisa changing lives, but they’re also lifting the lid on stigmatism and generalisations. Since 2013 the centre has catered for special children who don’t “fit” into regular places of learning and therapy intervention, whose prospects would otherwise look extremely bleak for accessing the support they desperately need. Amy Rodger, founder member, centre director and occupational therapist (OT), says Khanyisa is a centre with a difference, providing excellent intervention for all children with moderate to severe and multiple special needs. “Our aim is to provide hope for our students and their
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TOP LEFT: Aarav Sathdav
playing on the jungle gym with teacher Julia Hutton. TOP RIGHT: Junior educator Pretty Mnkoyeni with Viwe Mthembu. ABOVE LEFT: Zander Muthan enjoying a bit of fun on the swings. ABOVE RIGHT: Munesu Jerahuni – always ready with a smile. RIGHT: Amy Rodger with student Viwe Mthembu at an open day event.
families. There exists this misconception that children with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities won’t ‘amount to anything’. But if children with special needs are provided with appropriate learning opportunities, they can become contributing members of society, with meaningful jobs, who can love and be loved.” She explained, “Many schools – even those aimed at special needs children – cannot cater for pupils with more than one diagnoses. Children with cognitive differences can also be physically challenged or have behavioural, sensory or other problems (often undiagnosed).”
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