A Bonteheuwel mother needs financial assistance getting her and her Down Syndrome daughter to America to attend a special educational programme.
Faseega Coetzee, 44, says she and her six-year-old daughter, Shaziah, got the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the prestigious Gigi’s Playhouse in Phoenix, Arizona, but still need R35 000.
Gigi’s is an achievement centre for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and their community.
It provides free therapeutic and educational programmes which, among others, advance literacy, math and skills.
However, Shaziah does not only have Down Syndrome but also Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), better known as Blue Baby Syndrome.
TOF is a rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth.
“When I found out Shaziah would be born with Down Syndrome, I did not care. Even if she was born without limbs, she is my child and I will love her the same,” says Faseega.
TASK: Shaziah and Faseega
“Raising her was not easy and there is not much education for mothers with children who have Down Syndrome.”
The mother of four is the founder of Genes to Success and says the trip to Arizona could be life-changing not just for them but many more.
“At Gigi’s, everything is advanced and for us to experience and learn about their ways, we could come back and educate others. The school’s technology and programmes for young and adult Down Syndrome individuals is amazing and all-inclusive,” says the mom.
“This will also, especially for Shaziah, be educational, interacting with others, a boost to her self-esteem and would teach her independence.”
OPPORTUNITY: Little Shaziah
The family has already raised R15 000, which will go towards their flights and visas.
“We really need funding. We have managed to raise R15 000 and we have also tried to get support from different government departments, but we have yet to receive any response. We’ve had fundraisers, but most of them failed. We would really appreciate this opportunity.
“Our children with special needs need to be seen, not certain places, but everywhere instead of being locked away as society would have it. This trip and what it will teach us could change the spectrum for children with Down Syndrome in South Africa,” she says.
If you would like to assist, contact Faseega on 064 199 2819.
robin.francke@inl.co.za