I am Special is a registered non-profit, non governmental organisation. We focus on the children of the nation. Most children on our programme are from deprived and underprivileged communities where the social and home life is not what most of us take for granted. We share love, grace, joy and hope with children. We let every child know and believe that they are special, despite where they come from, who they are, or what their circumstances are. We don’t intend to change their circumstances or promise them a better life, but we do intent to give them hope and guidance. Who better to share it with, than the leaders and followers of tomorrow?

I am Special was founded in 2009 by three women from Durbanville in the Western Cape. We commenced with the programme in September 2009 at Alpha Primary School in Morningstar Durbanville with a mere 30 learners. In October 2009 they doubled to 60 learners. Currently there are approximately 1500 learners on the programme from five different schools. This goes to show just how big the need is for such a programme in our schools and in our country.

The curriculum contains basic foundational skills that promote self-confidence, independence and a sense of empowerment. Exercises include: life skills, social skills, language and maths, self-upliftment and problem solving exercises, creative arts and interaction by means of games and stories. Our aim remains to teach them acceptable social behaviour, manners, discerning authority, relating to peers, self respect, love and surrounding awareness and to show them by means of scripture just how special they are and how powerful the Word of God can be. They are led to think and to feel clever and therefore give their best performance possible. The curriculum teaches children to keep up with the mainstream, and to succeed in all areas of life.

The classes are small, therefore the facilitators are able to get to know each child individually and build relationships with the children. We are committed to give the children some structure and security – a safe haven – even though just for 30 minutes per week.

Though we have the consent of the WCED, the school and its governing body to present this programme, no funds are raised from the schools we visit or the children attending the programme.

Operates in: Cape Town, Western Cape
Established in: September 2009

Non-Profit Organisation Number: 082-771
Public Benefit Organisation Number:
Section 21 Company Number:
Trust Number:

Contact person: Luani Oosthuizen
Phone: 083 399 1685
Fax: 086 610 0749
Email:

Website: www.iamspecial.org.za

Physical address:
Postal address: P O Box 4999, Tygervally, 7536