I have taught at St Joseph’s Home in Gugulethu, Cape Town, for 19 years. St Joseph’s is a special home to children who have had heart, kidney and liver transplants and those who suffer from cancer, diabetes and HIV/Aids.
Through the years I have met a lot of wonderful learners. I have truly been blessed to teach at the school. All the learners who have passed through my class have touched me in a special way. And I know in my heart that I have done all I can to try to enrich their lives through my teaching.
One such learner, who left a distinct impression, was Cheslyn Freddie. He has all the odds stacked against him. He is blind, partially deaf, had both legs and one arm amputated, struggles to swallow and, worse still, he cannot speak.
Every time he entered my classroom I wondered how I could enrich his life in a more meaningful way. Giving him hugs and telling him he was special was not enough. I needed to do more, but couldn’t put my finger on exactly what I could do.
After discussions with his occupational therapist, Anneline, we decided to take him out of his wheelchair and try to make him a part of the classroom activities.
One special day, while we were having a music ring — a session where we sing or rhyme or even play instruments —- I placed Cheslyn in the middle of the circle and we sang and clapped out the names of all the learners in the classroom.
One of the learners said his name and we clapped out Cheslyn’s name. The most amazing thing happened: he turned his head and started to make some noises. Then he flashed the most infectious smile. Everyone grew quiet because no one had ever seen him smile before.
At that moment his face lit up and he came to life.
It was a turning point for Cheslyn. From then on every morning all the learners greeted him and he would flash that endearing smile and make gurgling noises.
Cheslyn is a wonderful little boy who has crept into the hearts of all the learners in the classroom and all the staff.
It was a profound experience to see Cheslyn respond to his name and see him smile. I felt my wish of doing something more than just the usual hugs and kisses was fulfilled. What a day it was: contributing something positive to Cheslyn’s rather forlorn and dull life!
Jennifer-Ann Daniels teaches at St Joseph’s Home Primary School for Chronically Ill Learners in Gugulethu in the Western Cape. She was the winner in the 2008 National Teaching Award’s category for Excellence in Inclusive Education and Special Needs Teaching