Businesses, organisations, skilled tradespeople and community members are being invited to partner with the Oudtshoorn Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and Pediatric Care Africa (PCA) to help renovate the APD centres in Oudtshoorn and Dysselsdorp.
Die Hoorn accompanied the two organisations during a site visit on 21 July, where several areas requiring attention were identified. While the visit highlighted the need for upgrades, it also showcased the dedication of the APD team, who continue to provide qua-lity care and meaningful activities despite limited resources.
The APD currently supports 40 adults in its Oudtshoorn workshop, 25 children in its daycare centre and 21 adults at its Dysselsdorp centre. The organisation provides services to clients across three different functioning groups – low, medium and high functioning – making a meaningful difference in the lives of many families in the region.
Dr André Hattingh of Pediatric Care Africa said the proposed improvements are about far more than aesthetics.
“It is especially important to keep children stimulated and calm. The colours used in a facility can have a significant effect on people’s mood and wellbeing, which is why creating bright, welcoming and stimulating spaces is so important,” he said.
The priority projects include repainting the buildings in child-friendly colours, creating educational murals, repairing damaged roof sheets and fascia boards, improving the administration office, establishing a welcoming visitors’ area and providing a television for educational and sensory programmes for the children.
During the visit, APD community developer Sarina Coericuis enthusiastically discussed how the proposed renovations could benefit the centre’s clients.
“We’re very appreciative of the interest in APD and would like to invite businesses to have a walk around the facility. We try and do the best with what we’ve got, but with interest from the community we can create a great environment for our clients to make their time so much better,” she said.
Pediatric Care Africa is inviting businesses, organisations, artists and individuals to sponsor or renovate a room or specific area within the centres.
“Whether it is painting a classroom, repairing a roof, creating a sensory space, or transforming a visitor’s area, every contribution will leave a lasting impact on the lives of the children and adults who call APD their second home,” the organisation said.
Businesses that adopt a room or project will receive recognition through the display of their company name and logo in the renovated area as a lasting acknowledgement of their contribution.
Interested businesses and community members are invited to attend a site inspection at the APD Centre in Oudtshoorn on Wednesday, 12 August, at 10:00. The visit will provide an opportunity to see the facilities firsthand and identify how they can contribute to transforming the centres in Oudtshoorn and Dysselsdorp.
Pediatric Care Africa also confirmed that it will continue providing free medical services to the centres through regular visits by a medical doctor, dietician, occupational therapist and dentist.
For more information, contact Pediatric Care Africa on 076 229 5663 or e-mail info@pediatriccareafrica.org.
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