Precious Seleka’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother’s love and unwavering determination.
From humble beginnings in 1997, she has fought tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing environment for children with disabilities.
What began as a small care facility in her home has blossomed into the Lebelelang Centre for the Disabled, a beacon of hope that offers education, skills development, and a brighter future for its children.
Despite the many challenges along the way, Seleka’s dedication to her mission has never wavered, and with the centre’s upcoming new facility, her vision is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
Speaking about her journey, Seleka reflects: “We have never lost sight of the goal to establish a centre for the children to learn and grow.”
She reveals that currently, 42 children with developmental challenges are cared for by six practitioners, all certified through Custoda Trust. The dedicated team has managed to create an educational environment, albeit in cramped conditions within two classrooms.
“We are really looking forward to the move into the new centre,” Seleka adds, expressing her hope that the facility will provide enhanced learning opportunities for the children, who range from ages 3 to 25.
“My hope is to, one day, take the children to Robben Island where the children can go and see for themselves what it means to fight for their own freedom. Over and above the crafts created under the skills development programme, we also have plans of creating an arts programme where people with disabilities will showcase their talent at events that will be costed as a means of generating income for the centre,” she said.
The story of the Lebelelang Centre began in 1997 when Seleka opened her home to provide care for elderly individuals and vulnerable children, including those facing homelessness.
As word of her work spread, the demand for her services grew, leading Seleka to introduce night classes for adults seeking further education and development.
This expansion marked the early stages of what would eventually become a formalised and thriving centre dedicated to children with disabilities.
However, the path was fraught with red tape and difficulties; local authorities initially closed her facility due to health concerns, and efforts to formalise her vision were repeatedly hampered between 1999 and 2003.
It was not until after the birth of her son with Down Syndrome in 2003 that Seleka's resolve was reignited. Her experiences as a mother deepened her determination to find a more permanent solution for children living with disabilities.
In 2012, after completing an 18-month Early Childhood Development (ECD) Training at Custoda Trust and earning her Level 4 certificate, Seleka was able to formalise operations.
A turning point came in May 2017 when the centre benefited from a vital community mobilisation process, supported by the Civil Society Organisation’s development framework and the National Development Agency (NDA), which enabled its registration as a non-profit organisation.
The Tsantsabane Local Municipality further supported this dream by providing a vacant piece of land in the nearby Phuthaditshaba location, set to become the new home of the Lebelelang Centre.
The impending facility promises to offer a ECD programme for children aged 0-6, as well as tailored programmes for those aged 7-18 with severe intellectual disabilities, and skills development for young adults aged 19-59.
Ellen Seboko, who has served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors since 2017, acknowledges the NDA's crucial role by stating: “The NDA has been instrumental in building this new centre. Without their handholding, we would have never attracted the partners that are now on board.”
Saturday Star