Fifty children from the Sinethemba Special Care Centre in Masiphumelele recently enjoyed a day out at Fish Hoek Beach.

The non-profit, which is the main project of the Fish Hoek-Kommetjie-Noordhoek Welfare Association (FHKNWA), established in 1954, caters to children with physical and intellectual disabilities (“Centre offers support to disabled children,” Echo, April 11).

The centre’s CEO and principal, Lezanne Raath, said the excursion, with wheelchairs in tow, that took place on Friday November 1 was a rare opportunity for the children to enjoy a unique experience in a safe environment made possible by local volunteers and businesses.

The children’s disabilities include autism, foetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

A parent, Michelle Smith, said seeing the joy and excitement that the beach experience had brought to the children had been heart-warming.

“For many of these children, especially those with mobility impairments, like my own daughter, getting to experience the outdoors is a challenge. So the simple act of feeling the ocean, the sand, and the sun, on their faces was a gift,” she said.

Sinethemba Special Care Centre carer Faith Reed with Rezaah Williams.

Sinethemba Special Care Centre cleaner Thandiswa Nokonqweni and Sage Kaiser splashing in the water.

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A day of sun, sand and sea for Sinethemba children