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.
Khanyisa 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 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).” This means that those needing the most support don’t get any at all.
Often, by the time parents hear about Khanyisa, they feel isolated, totally exhausted and despondent about their child’s education and future prospects. They’ve spent years investigating alternative options – only to be disappointed as some offer partial assistance in specific areas, but the necessary overall support is simply not there. Timeous referrals from medical/educational professionals is critical, as early intervention can make a significant difference for children with different needs.
Khanyisa offers holistic solutions unique to each child – in an educational environment – starting from the age of 18 months right through to senior students of 15 years. Khanyisa not only provides an integrated programme for students who attend daily, but also serves the community by providing therapy (OT, speech and language therapist, and physio) for children who are in mainstream schools but need weekly therapy intervention.
Amy and her full-time staff of 23 teachers and therapists look at where a child is currently functioning developmentally, and then tailor–make goal-oriented programmes unique to each child. Academic, artistic and practical aspects are adapted to build confidence, maximise potential, and eventually build employable skill sets.
Debbie da Canha, one of Khanyisa’s parents shared that since their son joined Khanyisa “he has excelled beyond our wildest expectations. What we have experienced here is unlike anything we thought possible. Khanyisa has changed our lives.”
Lockdowns have proved difficult for the centre, as some of the children have high-risk comorbidities, and for many it’s not just their education at stake. Khanyisa was able to support these families with home visits and online assistance in order to ensure the continued development of each student. Sadly, financial constraints have meant some have had to deregister.
Fundraisers are a regular part of the Khanyisa calendar, and business investment or sponsorships are welcomed, which are then eligible for tax exemption. Costs range from R4 000–R9 000 a month depending on programme and extent of intervention required. *
FOR MORE INFO
If you are interested in being involved and supporting Khanyisa, or volunteering, please phone 031 561 9167 or email admin@khanyisacentre.co.za; www.khanyisacentre.co.za; F /khanyisacentre/
Pictured: Amy Rodger with student Viwe Mthembu at an open day event.