Article and Photographs by Captain Marelda Coetzer, SA Army Artillery Formation Corporate Communication

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children”, this quote by Nelson Mandela had a great impact on members from the SA Army Artillery Formation Headquarters on Mandela Day 2012. The organisation chosen to benefit from support was the Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria West. Although the school receives a small subsidy from the Department of Education, it is not nearly sufficient and, therefore the school is reliant on donations and fundraisers to sustain the day-to-day education, well-being and nurturing of the children. Transoranje School for the Deaf is “home” to approximately two hundred deaf children from the age of 3 to 18 years. Besides educating the children in sign language, the curriculum from the Department of Education is also followed.

On 18 July 2012, members from the SA Army Artillery Formation Headquarters received a warm reception as soup and “vetkoek” were enjoyed with the children and teachers. Brigadier General Deon Holtzhausen, General Officer Commanding SA Army Artillery Formation, addressed all present with the aid of a sign language interpreter and acknowledged the excellent work done by the school in the nurturing and education of the children and the forming of a long and prosperous relationship in rendering assistance with the future sustainment of the school.

After being divided into groups, members had the opportunity to learn more about sign language to have an understanding of how to interact with the children. The realisation dawned on the members that each teacher has overwhelmingly passionate about his/her work and the children they work with. It was a true vocation. The interaction did not stop there as work had to be done. Children and teachers alike, joined members in weeding, arranging flower beds, planting flowers and painting. As no formal means of communication existed, the children watched the members move, to understand what they were doing and so that they could do the same. Although living with a disability, the children radiated great energy and passion during all the activities throughout the day, which was quite humbling to the members.

The 67 minutes in support of Mandela Day turned into 2 and a half hours of bliss. The feeling was overwhelming as the day came to an end and members could look at all that had been achieved by adults and children, alike. Being involved with children with special needs was a heart warming and exceptionally rewarding experience. Mandela Day 2012 and particularly every child with whom the members interacted, will be remembered for quite some time to come.

Children from Transoranje School for the Deaf	Members with some of the smaller children

General Officer Commanding, SA Army Artillery Formation Brigadier General Deon Holtzhausen assisting with garden work