Thandi* is a bright young girl who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has been attending Teka Takho Disability Centre in Kabokweni for the past two years. An Occupational Therapist from our Church Unlimited family has kindly volunteered her time to visit the centre to facilitate weekly therapy sessions and has advocated for Thandi* in the public health sector, enabling her to receive ongoing therapy as well as a standing frame to improve her mobility.
Thandi* is eager to learn and although it would be challenging to secure a space due to limited capacity at a local school for children with disabilities, her care givers believed that it would be a great fit and allow her to progress academically. A thorough evaluation of her auditory function, sponsored by a Church Unlimited couple in 2023, established that Thandi* has a profound hearing loss, and this formal report allowed us to start the application. The disability centre champion, supported by team Sinani, advocated for Thandi* and worked closely with her mother throughout the process. We were delighted to learn towards the end of 2023 that Thandi* had been accepted for the 2024 year!
Although non-verbal, it is important that she can express herself. She has been practicing her communication skills using an app on a tablet in preparation for her new school.
Although she will be dearly missed at Teka Takho Disabiliby Centre, we are thrilled for her and wish her all the best as grows and thrives in this new chapter of her life.
*Name changed for protection.
