During 2014, the Department of Health identified children with a disability, in need of specialist care services. An investigation by the Department Social Development lead to a mandate being given to APD Mossel Bay to render support services to these children and their carers. Following our assessments, a parent support group was established which met once per month, providing guidance and support to the parents of disabled children.
The need for a Day Care Centre for these disabled children was identified at a very early stage. With the distance to George, the expense of travel, and the fact that the children could not communicate, we then focused on securing a Day Care Centre in Great Brak River.
During 2016, we submitted a business proposal to the Department of Health, which eventually resulted in subsidies being made available. In May 2016, facilities were started for 20 children. The only venue that could be had for the available funding was in a disused dairy. Apart from the rental, APD had to rent portable ablution facilities, the monthly rental of which cost more than the monthly rental for the building itself.
We engaged with the local municipality, and eventually received a dedicated building in Wolwedans, with excellent facilities, from the municipality. This proposition is an excellent solution for the needs of the children, and we can now proceed to provide much needed care for the children concerned.
We would like to extend our deepest and most sincere appreciation to the Department of Health, the Great Brak Post, the Mossel Bay Municipality, the parents, the children, community members, Great Brak SAPS, Great Brak Fire Department, CNA Langeberg Mall, Sugar and Spice Heiderand, Dutch Reformed Churches of Hartenbos, Reebok and Danabaai, and our management committee and personnel, who made this dream possible.
Thank you all very much for your support. We wish you all a joyous and a blessed 2018.
