Project: Breede Valley APD
MAMA: Louine
Started in: 1951
Partner since: 2009
Location: Four villages in Breede Valley, West Cape
Number of children: 150 (supported by MAMAS), 580 (total)
Special because: Every month 80 mothers gather to learn how to take care of her disabled child.

Children and youth with disabilities often get sidelined and forgotten because people do not know how to help and support them on a long term basis. Breede Valley APD developed the day care programme called ‘Partners for Life’ in which they committed to provide lifetime support and loving care to these children and youth.   

Disabled children, more so than other vulnerable children, need specialised care! In South Africa that is not particularly customary and these children are often the victims. They don’t go to school and are left at home alone. Those who are over 18 years old and have finished with the local ELSEN schools have nowhere to go and no job opportunities.  

In the villages of Worcester, Zwelethemba, De Doorns, Rawsonville and Touws Rivier in Western Cape, Breede Valley APD takes care of this vulnerable group. The children’s handicaps vary; some are blind, visually impaired or deaf, others have FAS (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome), are autistic or have Down syndrome. The MAMAS offer them love and care and teach them how to independently take care of themselves. With healthy nutrition, therapy and lots of personal attention, these children show incredible growth. 

In Worcester and Touwsriver, Breede Valley APD has special day care centres where the children receive specialised treatment. In all the villages, the parents and caregivers meet once a month where they receive information and training on how to care for their children with disabilities. They receive support from therapists and social workers assisting them with their overall wellbeing, leading to a healthier and happier life for almost 200 children. Breede Valley APD also accommodates 25 youth with disabilities in Worcester and 6 youth with disabilities in Touws River. They come to the centre every day and are taught work skills and life skills helping them to become productive citizens of society.