MAKING A DIFFERENCE Meerhof School receives wheelchairs donation, transforming lives of learners

LEARNERS with physical and learning disabilities at Meerhof School near Pretoria have received a donation of several wheelchairs, which they said have made a huge difference in their lives in enabling them to move around easier.

- ZELDA VENTER

It has given them a sense of independence they did not have before, Tshiamo, one of the pupils at Meerhof School using the wheelchairs donated by Medipost Holdings, as part of its annual socioeconomic development (SED) commitment, said.

“We are more comfortable, more confident and hopeful about our futures. We know that more children will get to use them once we outgrow them, or leave the school,” Tshiamo said.

Dr Victor Ramathesele, Group Chief Executive Officer of Medipost Holdings added that according to the World Bank, the unavailability of assistive devices such as suitable wheelchairs is one of the most significant barriers to full social and economic participation for persons with disabilities, limiting education and employment prospects while their cost of living often tends to be higher.