Learners with physical and learning disabilities at Meerhof School near Pretoria have received a donation of several wheelchairs, which they said have made a huge difference in their lives in enabling them to move around easier.

It has given them a sense of independence they did not have before, Tshiamo, one of the pupils at Meerhof School using the wheelchairs donated by Medipost Holdings, as part of its annual socioeconomic development (SED) commitment, said.

“We are more comfortable, more confident and hopeful about our futures. We know that more children will get to use them once we outgrow them, or leave the school,” Tshiamo said.

Dr Victor Ramathesele, Group Chief Executive Officer of Medipost Holdings added that according to the World Bank, the unavailability of assistive devices such as suitable wheelchairs is one of the most significant barriers to full social and economic participation for persons with disabilities, limiting education and employment prospects while their cost of living often tends to be higher.

“This school is so vibrant, and the learners are extremely capable and positive young individuals. We encourage them to develop their abilities and do their personal best, rather than compete against others, being led from dependence to independence as reflected in our vision statement,” Meerhof school principal, Kobus van der Merwe said.

Working with a limited budget, the Hartbeespoort, North West, school has maintained high educational standards, achieving a 100% matric pass rate over the past 17 years. It currently has 240 learners from grade R to grade 12, following the CAPS curriculum.

Set in a former World War II hospital, the school’s boarding establishment offers residential accommodation for children with mobility requirements, among other things.

“We are awestruck by the difference Meerhof School is making in the lives of children, with many of their past pupils challenging the stereotypes and stigma of disability by going on to become teachers, lawyers and other professional careers that not only demonstrate independence, but also make enormous contributions to society,” Ramathesele said.

He added that it is hoped that the donation of these mobility aids will support learners on their educational journey towards a brighter future. Equipped with a strong school foundation, Meerhof learners have a chance to excel in their chosen fields and challenge perceptions of what can be achieved.

This includes rewriting the narratives that fuel stigma and inequality, opening more opportunities for people with disabilities, Ramathesele said.

Medipost Holdings’ wheelchair donation is the latest as part of its annual socioeconomic development commitments, which have also provided bicycles to children in rural areas to help them get to school.

Van der Merwe meanwhile said alongside their fundraising initiatives, donations such as these are invaluable in helping learners grow into well-rounded individuals with the confidence to hold their place in this world.

He concluded that the learners live up to the school’s motto “from dependence to independence”.

zelda.venter@inl.co.za

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