The Sonstraal School for the Mentally Handicapped was founded in September 1997, but later also accepted children with special needs.

With abundant love, prayers and community support this school has grown to a facility which today offers individual and special training to 17 children. Without this training these children would not have had the right to a quality of life, that every child is entitled to.

“Unfortunately, the school is not yet nearly big enough to cater for the need in the area. There are still many special needs children and mentally handicapped children in the area, but due to financial constraints the school has no choice but to refuse them. The school also does not have boarding facilities, which means that children from neighbouring areas unfortunately cannot be accepted into the school.

“All the learners from the school follow the Audiblox program, some to a lesser extent than others, while schoolwork is attended to according to the Brainline system. Obviously, the spiritual and emotional development are not left aside. The school also arranges regular outings — at times, it is necessary to take a break and just relax as well.

“Each learner and his or her teacher pay regular follow-up visits to Dr. Strydom in Pretoria, so that their Audiblox program can be adjusted according to the individual needs of the learner. During these visits the teachers are once again equipped to fulfil their special task at hand.

“The fact that her own son experiences such a severe learning problem also explains the passion with which she tackles all tasks at hand.

Children are encouraged in the field of arts, undergo physiotherapy, euqine therapy and attend swimming lessons.

Contact: Coreen Campfer

Tel:(014) 717 4331 , e-mail: sonstraal7@worldonline.co.za