OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Pediatric Care Africa has launched an extensive renovation project at the Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD) centres in Oudtshoorn and Dysselsdorp in an effort to improve these facilities used by dozens of children and adults with disabilities.
Pediatric Care Africa is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in 2017 by retired neurosurgeon Dr André Hattingh. The organisation provides free medical care, surgical interventions, outreach clinics and healthcare support to vulnerable and disadvantaged children who have limited access to medical services.
The APD, which serves people with disabilities in the greater Oudtshoorn area, currently supports 40 adults at its workshop in Oudtshoorn, 25 children at its daycare centre and 21 adults at its facility in Dysselsdorp.
According to Hattingh, representatives of Pediatric Care Africa visited the centres on 21 July and identified several areas requiring urgent attention.
“During our visit, we witnessed the remarkable dedication of the staff members and the enthusiasm of the children and adults attending the centres,” he said. “At the same time, it became clear that several improvements are needed to create an environment that is more comfortable, stimulating and better suited to the needs of the beneficiaries.”
Planned improvements include repainting the buildings in bright, child-friendly colours, creating murals, repairing damaged roofs and fascia boards, and establishing a dedicated visitor’s area where family members and caregivers can spend time with residents and learners.
The administration office at the Oudtshoorn daycare centre will also be upgraded. The corrugated iron structure becomes extremely cold during winter and unbearably hot during summer.
The proposed improvements include painting the exterior white and installing insulation in the walls and roof.
Pediatric Care Africa also intends to provide a TV set that can be used to present educational and sensory programmes to the children attending the centre.
Businesses, community organisations, artists, skilled tradespeople and members of the public have been invited to become involved by sponsoring or renovating specific rooms and facilities. Sponsors will be recognised through the display of their company names and logos in the areas they have helped to improve.
A site visit to the APD centres has been planned for 12 August to provide interested parties with an opportunity to assess the facilities and identify ways in which they can contribute to the project.
In addition to the renovation work, Pediatric Care Africa will continue to provide free medical services, including regular consultations with doctors, dietitians, occupational therapists and dentists.
Enquiries: Pediatric Care Africa on 076 229 5663 or [email protected].
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