Back-breaking challenge in aid of autism centre
From Pietermaritzburg to Wellington - 3 200km by bicycle to raise funds for autism. This is one Richards Bay man's story
A LOCAL father and adventurer is preparing to tackle the gruelling unsupported Race Across South Africa (RASA) Freedom
Challenge, to raise funds for children with autism.
Werner Nienaber will hit the road with his mountain bike on 11 June to pedal the 2 300km solo from Pietermaritzburg to Wellington in the Cape without any back-up team or GPS, relying solely on his own skills, stamina and determination to reach his destination.
The founder member of the ABLE Early Intervention Centre for Children on the Autism Spectrum, and father of a son who has overcome many of his own challenges, says he is hoping for the support of corporates and businesses to help provide for the growing number of children in need of intervention.
‘The autism rate, measured in 2012, was 1 out of 88 children, with boys four times more represented, but despite the increased numbers of children diagnosed with some form of this lifelong developmental disorder, intervention is expensive and virtually unaffordable for most families.’
This is according to Elitza Marais, Manager of the ABLE Centre based in Meerensee – one of only two such specialised facilities in KZN.
The ABLE Centre opened in September 2012, but Elitza says they have almost reached capacity and will soon have to start a waiting list, which indicates the high demand for such a service.
The initial building was largely funded by the efforts of the Nomakanjani Ninja’s – a team of ragtag, inexperienced paddlers who gripped the community’s attention by rowing from Kosi Bay to Richards Bay with virtually no experience in the open water.
Their efforts raised enough funds to set up the current building and Werner hopes to repeat their success to fund expansion.
‘We employ a staff component of 12 dedicated and trained tutors and a qualified remedial teacher.
‘We can accommodate up to 25 children with the current facilities. The enrolled number for this year is 18’, says Elitza.
‘The numbers are lower than last year as the increases in cost and current economic situation place a huge burden on parents.
‘About 80% of children only attend two or three days, but they need at least a full week’s intervention for successful turnaround of the condition.
‘Donations are minimal, so we cannot even offer sponsorship to children who need it most.
‘We also offer therapeutic horse riding, which is hard to afford.
‘Community support can enable us to provide them with much needed therapy. This intervention will hopefully develop their delayed skills, to ultimately put them on the path of independence.
‘Early treatment has a great success rate, and recovery is possible for a full and functional life.
