In the heart of Monte Vista, a special educational school named Perpetua House stands as a testament to compassion and determination. The institution, founded by Carolynn Greaves and Gail Fouche, was born out of a desire to provide a safe and inclusive space for children with special educational needs. Since its humble beginning in January 2012, Perpetua House has touched the lives of approximately 50 children, leaving an indelible mark on each one of them.
Carolynn’s journey into the world of special education started when she accepted a position at a private inclusive primary school, teaching a diverse group of children, each with their own unique challenges. Little did she know that this experience would serve as a catalyst for a life-changing initiative. As the children grew older, Carolynn noticed that the traditional curriculum was becoming increasingly challenging for the special needs learners. This realization sparked a quest to find a suitable educational setting for them. After visiting various schools and centers, they finally decided to take a leap of faith and establish their own facility – thus, Perpetua House was born.
The school began with just seven children, utilising garden furniture, chalkboards, and Carolynn’s unwavering determination. Over the years, the curriculum has evolved, incorporating numeracy, literacy, social science, natural science, life skills, and, most importantly, skill development tailored to each child’s needs. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about its biggest transformation, giving rise to the Crafters group, providing employment and a sense of purpose to young adults who had completed their schooling.
As a private individual, Carolynn’s work has become her life. The bonds she shares with the children have grown deep over the years, witnessing their milestones, celebrating joys, and comforting during sorrows. For many of the young adults, she has become more than just a principal; she is a confidant and a friend.
The challenges faced by Perpetua House are not insignificant. Financial sustainability remains a constant concern, with the school relying on sponsorships, fundraising, and crafting initiatives to keep their mission afloat. The ever-present emotional toll of working with special needs learners is also a significant challenge. The daily rollercoaster of emotions can be exhausting, but the passion for the children keeps Carolynn and her team moving forward.
While the path ahead may be challenging, Carolynn’s vision for the school remains steadfast. In the short-term, she hopes for continued compliance and securing bursaries for those in need. However, her long-term goals are nothing short of inspirational – touching as many lives as possible and upgrading the facilities to provide the best possible environment for the children.
To achieve these dreams, Perpetua House needs support from the community. Carolynn envisions a future where bursaries are guaranteed for the duration of a learner’s schooling, financial assistance to enhance the facilities and provide much-needed equipment, volunteers to support the Crafters group and assist with learner support, and corporate investment both financially and through contracts for gifts made by the Crafters.
Perpetua House stands as a beacon of hope and inclusion, illuminating the path for children with special needs, guiding them towards a brighter future. Carolynn Greaves and her team have transformed the lives of countless children, proving that with love, dedication, and unwavering determination, barriers can be broken, and dreams can become reality. Their work at Perpetua House exemplifies the power of compassion and underscores the importance of building a society that embraces and empowers everyone, regardless of their abilities.
