Bizweni Centre for Disabled Children

							Bizweni Centre for disabled
         Children
     A Community Project of the
     Rotary Club of Helderberg
            Somerset West
      District 9350 South Africa
    Rotary Involvement and plans to build 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.
    Rotary Involvement and plans to build a
             new Centre continued

   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.
                         Background
 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.
                 Background continued
   The children suffer from a range of disabilities such as:
                     Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome
                     Autism, 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 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.
Children at the Centre
Current Facility
                    Planned Facilities



   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.
Plans for the new Centre
Plans continued
Foundations of new building being poured
                        Conclusion
   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 Leader
                            PO Box 1226
                        Somerset West 7129
                            South Africa
                         Tel: 27-21-8521484
                  E-Mail: mwvantee@mweb.co.za
                        Visit our website on
           http://www.geocities.com/rotaryhelderberg/
               Music by: Johnny Clegg, “Asimbonanga”
              which means in Zulu: “We have not seen them”