NINE mothers joined hands in 1994 and opened a school for disabled children in Sebokeng, Vereeniging.

NINE mothers joined hands in 1994 and opened a school for disabled children in Sebokeng, Vereeniging.

There were no schools for disabled children and ordinary schools were reluctant to register them. The mothers were advised by a social worker to "do it yourself".

"Most of our children have profound disabilities. The government and NGOs could not do anything for us, so we came together and founded Boipoloko Stimulation Centre. Ours was the first such school and it is still the only one in our area," co-founder Maborute Tshabalala said.

She said the school was run on fees of R190 a month per child. There are 22 children who are fed twice a day between 8am and 2pm. Their ages range from two to 18.

The pupils are taught to read and write and count. Pleas to the government for a stipend or grant have fallen on deaf ears.

"We have a five-room school that used to be a government building. We do not pay rent. The social worker who helped us start the school moved and the new ones have not been helpful," Tshabalala said.

She said the school struggled to collect food and to pay for the children's transport.

Mama Angel bought chairs, plates, cups, kitchen utensils, pots and stimulation toys for the centre.

" We thank you for what you have given us. We hope this will open the doors so that more can be done for the children," Tshabalala said.

Boipoloko still needs blankets, linen, toys, food and cutlery.