GEORGE NEWS - At Legacy Centre in George, children with special needs are being tutored and taught in ways that are not run-of-the-mill, to prepare them for life. They learn and grow at their own pace and are met each at their own different level of development and challenges - and they flourish.
Mariza van Deventer, who founded the centre together with her husband Johan in 2016, says they look back on the past five years with hearts full of gratitude. Sunday 1 August, to be exact, was their fifth birthday.
"It has not always been easy. We have learned many things the hard way, but without the support and knowledge that we got from other people this would not have been possible.
"My passion is also to help parents of children with special needs along their road, because I know what it was like for us initially when we were searching for answers regarding our son Migael's tutoring and education. We are still learning as he is growing up."
They registered Binah, a non-profit organisation, to enable parent support even before launching Legacy Centre with only Migael and one other child as the first pupils. It has now reached its maximum capacity of 16 children.
They accommodate children with autism, Asperger's syndrome or global developmental delay. Their youngest pupil is three and the oldest 15. "The saddest thing at this stage is that we do not have space for more children, while the need is so big," says Mariza.
Their focus is on one-on-one learning, so there is a teacher for every three children. They put emphasis on cognitive thinking, learning, sensory stimulation, gross motor exercises and life skills.
Some of the children follow the Cambridge curriculum that is adapted to their own development level, needs and interests. Some are even ahead of their age.
The life skills being taught must help them become independent. Mariza's vision is to establish a centre for adults too, so as to give parents the peace of mind that their children will one day be cared for when they are not around anymore.
Legacy Centre is located in a house with rooms converted into small, cosy classrooms, a sensory room and a therapy and music room. A biokineticist and a music teacher visit them regularly for therapy sessions.
There is a vegetable garden where the children get their hands in the soil and learn to grow food, and they have a lovely playground with a jungle gym and trampoline.
The place has a homey atmosphere and was filled with happy children's voices and laughter during break at the time of George Herald's visit.
"We want it to be like a home for the children where they are nurtured and can feel completely safe. We are fortunate to have a team of teachers that overflow with patience and love, which is essential," says Mariza.
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