People have been urged to help the Alta du Toit School for the disabled to continue providing a support system to its 370 learners.
The Kuils River-based school for severely intellectually disabled learners relies on an annual government subsidy which it says is not enough to cover all their costs.
Principal Marius Erasmus says most learners are from underprivileged communities and need assistance beyond the educational programmes offered.
“Learners are bussed in daily by the school. Disabled learners and families are in high need of support and our programmes offer access to excellent education, food and connecting people with disabilities to job opportunities,” he says.
“The school is a government school receiving a R3 million subsidy annually but requires R12 million annually to maintain programmes.
“Fundraising, support from the community and parents is therefore essential to raise the R9million.”
He says the funding would help pay for accommodation for the hostel learners, provide transport to and from school and help with the feeding programme.
The school also goes the extra mile and on top of creating educational opportunities, they also equip learners with job-related skills and finding employment.
Teacher Pearl van Schalkwyk says: “We also have what we call the school leavers programme where I teach them some culinary skills.”
She says learners are sorely in need of clothing and toiletries, but any other donations will also be welcomed.
Contact the school at [email protected] or on 021 903 4178 for more information.