Paarl School Development Foundation

You can make a difference.

Who we are.

Paarl School Development Foundation (PSDF) is a Non-Profit Organisation that provides financial assistance to PAARL SCHOOL in Brackenfell for disabled children.

What we do.

The Paarl School Development Foundation supports the school, its learners, and its teachers. It also raises awareness about the school’s needs and the challenges of children with disabilities.

Why we do it.

Paarl School relies heavily on the generosity of corporate donors, businesses, and the community to meet its needs. The Paarl School Development Foundation acts as a bridge between benefactors and the school, making it easy for everyone to help.  

quote

Join us in bridging the gap between a caring community and differently-abled children.

About Paarl School

The primary purpose of the NPO Paarl School Development Foundation is to assist the school financially and support each child in Paarl School, irrespective of their disability, to reach their full potential. We also serve as an information and resource centre to the general public, schools and other professionals about children with special educational needs. Paarl School needs your financial support as the school has specialised teachers and therapists, essential teaching and therapy, therapy equipment as well as buses that must continually be maintained and regularly replaced.

 

Visit Paarl School’s website here.

Support services at Paarl School

The school accommodates learners aged 5-18, offering a Preschool, Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, Functional and Work Preparation Phase who use adapted teaching methods and assessment techniques, leading to positive and successful learning experiences. Unfortunately, many children come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and their parents cannot afford to pay their school, bus or hostel fees

Therapeutic Services:

Speech Therapy
Physiotherapy
Learning Support
Psychologist
Occupational Therapy
Social Worker & Emotional Care
Specialised Technology

Medical Services:

Registered Nurse
Paediatric Neurology
Orthopaedic Clinic
Oral Hygiene

 

Other Services:

15 buses transporting learners to and from school on a daily basis.

Hostel facilities accommodating boys and girls who live in areas that are not covered by our bus routes.

Learners can showcase their talents and creativity in our sports and cultural programmes. Sports include soccer, netball, athletics and swimming. Parasports include athletics, cycling, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair dancing, swimming, boccia, table tennis and table cricket.  Cultural activities include choir, regular school outings, concerts and eisteddfods.

Meet the Team

The Paarl School Development Foundation is a registered Non-Profit Organisation. The Act requires that this company be run by a committee of not less than seven members, of which three must act as directors and one as chairman. All committee members are volunteers who earn no remuneration. The committee’s role is to ensure that the provisions within the act are adhered to and the funds are appropriated for the purposes for which it was raised. Furthermore, the committee is responsible for approving budgets, planning and fundraising actions, considering and approving requests for financial assistance from Paarl School, appointment of auditors and approval of the audited annual financial statements. The Paarl School Development Foundation has received clean audit reports since inception, and all statutory requirements are met. 

Stephan Cronje profile photo
Stephan Cronje CHAIRPERSON
Stephan Cronje, a founder of the Paarl School Development Foundation, is currently chairman. He is a retiree after a career of 35 years in banking, of which the last ten years were completed as Relationship Manager in the corporate finance space. He holds an Honours degree in Management and Administration and is strong on compliance. Before his current role, he, as a parent of a disabled child (who also attended Paarl School), served on the Governing Body of Paarl School as Chairman. This creates a good understanding of the school's financial challenges.
Martie Wilmot profile photo
Martie Wilmot FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING
Martie Wilmot began her career as a postal worker in 1981. After 25 years of service, she joined the Paarl School Sponsoring Body (a precursor to the Paarl School Development Foundation) in 2006 as an administrator. Martie oversees the Paarl School Development Foundation’s administration, finance and fundraising projects, including the annual charity auction and Casual Day. When she's not working, Martie enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family, especially her lovely grandchildren.
Elizbe van der Colff profile photo
Elizbè van der Colff MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING
Elizbè started her career as an occupational therapist specialising in child development. After a decade in private practice, she took a career sabbatical to raise her three children. During this time, she published several children's books, of which two won “ATKV-woordveertjies”. Elizbè joined the Paarl School Development Foundation team in 2022 as marketer and fundraiser and has since completed a UCT online marketing course with distinction. In her free time, she is also a member of the female a cappella band, 8 Misses Croon, which has been nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA).