Bizweni CentreBizweni Centre for for disabled Childrendisabled Children

A Community Project of the Rotary Club of Helderberg

Somerset WestDistrict 9350 South Africa

Rotary Involvement and plans to Rotary Involvement and plans to build a new Centrebuild a new Centre

In June 2005 the Rotary Club of Helderberg became aware of the plight of the Centre and the work of love that the staff was undertaking for the children in very basic conditions.

The original donor had experienced financial difficulties and been forced to withdraw.

At this stage, Hannes van Tonder, immediate Past President of the club decided to make Bizweni “his” community project.

As the original plans that had been drawn up were regarded as too elaborate, an architect was appointed to scale them down to a more basic structure.

The Board of the Rotary Club of Helderberg adopted the revised plan as their community project for the next three years.

The necessary land was leased from the Bizweni Community Church for 20 years at R 250 per annum.

The current estimated cost of constructing the building is R 905.000. Todate our Club has raised R 215.000 (US $ 27.800), leaving a

shortfall of R 700.000 (US $ 90.500)-excluding the cost of furnishings and equipment.

Rotary Involvement and plans to Rotary Involvement and plans to build a new Centre continuedbuild a new Centre continued

BackgroundBackground

Due to the lack of facilities for severely handicapped children in the Helderberg region, some 50 km outside Cape Town, South Africa, the Centre was established in 1998. Since then it has provided quality care for children with a range of disabilities.

At present 20 disabled children from all walks of life attend the daily structured programmes. The children fall into two categories:

a.) Severely disabled children requiring indefinite treatment.

b.) Children being prepared for specialised schools for the blind, deaf, autistic or mentally impaired.

The ages of the children range from 18 months to 13 years. They are mainly from very poor backgrounds and are referred to

the Centre on a short- or long-term basis by doctors, hospitals, social workers, school psychologists and members of the community.

The children suffer from a range of disabilities such as:Cerebral Palsy, Downs SyndromeAutism, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Poor Eyesight, Intellectual Impairment Some of the children will have a short lifespan, while others will

mature to adulthood. The seriously disabled will require ongoing care, which requires

qualified staff, facilities, equipment and funds. At present the staff consists of a social worker, a nursing

assistant, two educare teachers and a class assistant. Therapists also help on a voluntary basis or for a small fee.

The Bizweni Centre does not receive a State subsidy and is completely dependant on donations and fundraising.

Background continuedBackground continued

The Centre regards the children as very much part of society and the community, albeit with special needs.

They are treated with dignity and respect in the desire to give them the best possible life.

Fees are set at R 500 ( US $ 65) per month including transport. Most of the parents cannot afford this and pay R 300 (US $ 21) or less per month.

Background continuedBackground continued

CChildren at the Centrehildren at the Centre

Current Current FacilityFacility

As the original plans were very luxurious it was decided to appoint an architect, who at a very small fee, scaled the plans down to a more basic building and had them passed by the municipality. The facility will now consist of 2 classrooms, 1 therapeutic room, the necessary toilet and washing facilities and an office. This will enable the Centre to increase their intake to at least 40 children.

Planned FacilitiesPlanned Facilities

Plans for the new CentrePlans for the new Centre

Plans continuedPlans continued

Foundations of new building being Foundations of new building being pouredpoured

This is the biggest project the Rotary Club of Helderberg has ever undertaken.

We cannot handle it on our own, and appeal to our Fellow Rotarians in South Africa and overseas and to potential donors to help us.

For further details please contact:PP Hannes van Tonder

Bizweni Centre Project LeaderPO Box 1226

Somerset West 7129South Africa

Tel: 27-21-8521484E-Mail: mwvantee@mweb.co.za

Visit our website onhttp://www.geocities.com/rotaryhelderberg/

Music by: Johnny Clegg, “Asimbonanga” which means in Zulu: “We have not seen them”

ConclusionConclusion