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SEEING that the college for learning impaired pupils that she worked for was closing down broke Belinda Padbury’s heart. It was then that she decided to open her own college for the children.
T’shinga Training College is a college that only admits intellectually challenged children. The children are taught mathematics, English and life skills. The college deals mostly with children who are autistic and have Down syndrome.
The founder of the College, Padbury said she doesn’t see the college as a place of learning but rather a place where the children can improve their skills and show the world what they can do.
“In our society, intellectually challenged children are taken for granted and some don’t consider them as people but, here at T’shinga, they can be carefree and find peace with whatever they are afraid of,” she explained.
She said the name of the college means “A place of Peace” and that it is exactly what she wanted to create for the children — a place where they can discover their hidden talents.
“We don’t knock them down. If ever they don’t understand something, we explain it to them with art because they are willing to learn.”
The facility also teaches sport, has cooking classes and hosts excursions. “We have swimming lessons, cooking classes and once in a while we go out for ice-skating. The reason being is that we want them to get used to being in public and be able to interact with the public.
“Sports also improves their co-ordination, balance and physical fitness, which is why it is such a huge thing for them because a healthy body leads to a healthy mind,” she said.
To conclude, Padbury said people shouldn’t look down upon the children because they don’t know what they deal with each and every day. Rather they should accept them the way they are as they are also human beings.
For more information about the T’shinga Training College contact Belinda Padbury at 082 885 0788.
