Helderberg Hero Fights to Save Special Needs School from Closure
Lize Marais, the driving force behind Milkwood Learning Academy in the Helderberg region of the Western Cape, confronts a critical deadline: securing the necessary funds to preserve her pioneering school for children with special needs before the end of March.
Dedicated to nurturing students with autism, Down syndrome, and various intellectual challenges, the academy is a sanctuary where every child is encouraged to explore and realize their inherent potential. In an effort to ensure that no child is turned away, Marais has maintained the school fees at a minimal level, making quality education accessible but also placing Milkwood in a precarious financial situation.
To avert the looming threat of closure, Marais has initiated a BackaBuddy campaign with the goal of raising R60,000 to settle overdue rent and ensure the continuation of daily operations. With R15,500 collected from 13 generous donors so far, the campaign embodies a testament to the strength of community solidarity and collective effort.