Perpetua House is hosting a public Matric Dance this weekend so that Tayla, the only matriculant this year, can have the dance she rightly deserves.
Monte Vista, South Africa (17 April 2023) – Perpetua House in Monte Vista gives special needs youth the opportunity to experience a school environment like they would in mainstream education systems. From keeping schooling hours to having the same lunch breaks; each student is even placed in an age-appropriate grade and for matriculants, all the fun things are included, like a special school jacket and a matric dance.
This year, there is only one student in the final class and she is very excited to attend her matric dance. Not wanting her to miss out, Perpetua House principal Carolynn Greaves decided to set up a public dance so that Tayla* could have the matric dance she deserves.
“With only 1 “matric” (we place our learners in grades for both a sense of identity and so that they know where they are heading in their school journey) a matric dance isn’t really an option. So we made a plan and we welcome all to join us to make this moment magic for her.
We are hosting a “Takkies and Tiara” dance at Forest 44 (La Pineta) in Stellenbosch this Friday. Tickets cost R420 each and can be purchased until 8 am on Wednesday morning. This is a dinner dance to make a memory for a very special young lady.”
Tayla joined the school when she was twelve. She has grown up through the grades and learned many valuable life skills.
“Tayla joined Perpetua House on the day she turned 12, and it was so special being part of her 18th birthday celebrations this year. It has been such a joy watching her develop into the young lady that she now is, she marches around school declaring to all that she is my Matric PA, welcoming everyone at the school gate and doing any task that she can for her teachers and myself.”
Perpetua House
Perpetua House is an Intermediate and Senior Phase School for Learners with Special Educational Needs where they are taught, and trained, to be active contributing members of society in a loving and nurturing environment which encourages them to develop to their full potential.
Learners range from being on the Autism Spectrum to children with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other challenges.
“We offer them a school day which not only provides academic time where they continue to develop their numeracy and literacy skills, general knowledge enrichment through Natural Science, Social Science and Life Skills, but also a Work Coaching and Skills Development programme which we hope will assist them in work choices beyond school.
The work coaching offers the learners an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of work in the community. We not only visit a variety of businesses to expose the children to various jobs, but we take the senior learners for regular job shadowing sessions at these businesses. Our leaners regularly have the opportunity to work at MacDonalds, Decofurn, Protea Toyota, Carl Greaves Brokers and the Spur.”
When the pandemic hit, the school had to adapt and launched a crafters group. The group helps the learners gain new skills and create products that are then sold through various avenues.
“As a consequence of COVID placement of our graduates became nearly impossible. We therefore took the decision to create a Crafters group which meets twice a week at school. Here our young adults meet together and work on items which all get sold. Even though there is a cost involved in facilitating these workshops we still pay our Crafters for each day that they attend work.
They believe that they are here as employees and we treat them accordingly. We have tried to model their day on a proper working day. We love making things for others like the beaded keyrings for corporate events. We have even made mosaic coasters as wedding favours and we have assisted event companies with packing goodie bags. When we receive a profitable contract the Crafters each receive a portion of that profit.”
Perpetua House is hoping to break barriers for our special needs young people so that they, like all others, one day can leave and become contributing members of society. Your support would greatly assist us in helping them to reach these dreams.
Many of the students are enrolled thanks to sponsors. The school gives as many youths the opportunity to become educated and prepared for the real world after school.
“We have registered the Perpetua Trust to govern Perpetua House and we have been granted NPO by the Department of Social Development, PBO-status and section 18A(1)(a) status by SARS.
If you would like to help make Tanya’s dance the very best while having a fun night out too, you can find the invitation and details on how to join below. You can find out more via the website here.
*Names are kept private.
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