This facility, which was generously sponsored by several local businessmen, will present young adults with special needs the opportunity to learn life skills in a workshop environment and perhaps even move on to sheltered employment within the community.
At present there are five learners enrolled at the Centre who have been participating in the running of the laundry at The Town Lodge once a week for the past six months.
"This has been a remarkable experience for us, as these young adults are seeing what it takes to work in the outside world, and we truly thank the management and staff of Town Lodge," says Janet Seegmuller, chairperson of Up with Downs. "Next year it is our hope that more local businesses will provide the opportunity for these learners to work towards some kind of sheltered employment," Seegmuller added.
At the opening ceremony on Friday 25 November, the theme "everyone is different but equally important" was a reminder that youngsters with special needs also deserve the chance to feel not only a part of this society, but an important and productive part of it.
The open day saw a cross section of people visiting the new facility for a cup of tea.
The learners and staff had been busy working towards the school’s first ‘market day’ where fresh produce from their own vegetable garden, biscuits and cookies made by the learners, and arts and crafts were on sale to the visitors. It is hoped that this will become an annual event that everyone can look forward to in the future.
For learners with special needs, Up with Downs now offers a morning school programme with aftercare, a morning adult program in the Adult Centre, an afternoon life skills programme for seniors and adults, as well as a hostel facility for those who live out of town. The aim is to keep classes small enough so that each individual receives the best tuition possible. The hostel offers a ‘home away from home’ environment and the learners there form part of one big happy family.
For any information on Up with Downs, or to find out how you can help, please contact Brenda during school hours on 044 870 8770.
The Mayor of George, Mr Charles Standers, with sponsors Werner Welgemoed and Morne Strauss, and learners from the new Up with Downs Adult Centre.
Wendy Prinsloo from the Adult Programme at the Up with Downs Adult Centre open day.
