Blaize Academy – School for Autism

It is with great pleasure that I write this article, Round Table Bloemfontein 158 truly made an #impactfullchange in the lives of these children suffering from Autism.

Anton Botha, former tabler and current 41’ner of Bloem 158 and I received a call from a friend that is currently involved with Blaize academy, asking if we would be able to set some time aside to visit this house with him, and consider getting involved as Table.

We visited Blaize academy late in 2022 with no expectations of any need as this is an established institution, managed by qualified personnel with a passion for teaching and developing these kids.

We were taken on a tour through the facilities by a member of management so that we could get a better idea of what the challenges and their needs are, this was truly a heartfelt experience, and we immediately realized that the children are taken good care of and are offered a safe environment where they can be educated.

Like most of these institutions, Blaize academy is a privately owned institution and do not receive any compensation from government, they purely rely on the income of the children’s school fees and contributions from parents and members of the community, and it was at this point that we realized that there is a definite need, and that Table might be able to assist or contribute in whatever way possible.

After our visit to Blaize academy, we went back to table, and we expressed our concerns and findings following our visit to the institution. We managed to collect some educational toys of great value that was donated by one of our tablers wife’s as well as about 30 duvets and pillows for these kids.

The contribution was well received by the management of Blaize academy, and they were truly grateful for the donation and added that this will definitely contribute to the needs that they currently experience.

They are also actively working inhouse to try and set up some projects that will be able to provide them with some financial support to cover their running costs, and to allow them to improve the environment for these kids.

The management together with the teachers of Blaize academy are really putting in a lot of effort to better the lives of these children and to ensure that they get the best possible education at this institution. Round table Bloemfontein 158 are proud to be associated with this institution and we will be doing a follow up visit soon to spend some time with the kids and offer our assistance were needed.

Yours in Table Juno de Castro