The Carel du Toit Trust Information

The Carel du Toit Centre in Tygerberg is the only facility of its kind in the Western Cape to offer deaf children an all-encompassing, structured pre-primary school environment with an early intervention programme and foundation phase. Since established in 1973, the Centre’s belief is that deaf children can learn to speak if a hearing impairment is detected early and there are no other complications. The objective is for deaf children to become intellectually, socially and emotionally prepared for integration into a society of hearing people. From as early as two months of age when hearing loss is confirmed, the Centre enrols the family into a parent guidance programme where early intervention is undertaken to engage, encourage and empower parents to be a partner in teaching the deaf child to speak. Fundraising is vital for the Centre’s services to be maintained and the Carel du Toit Trust is dependent on donations and sponsorship of goods to continue serving the needs of deaf children and thus minimise operational costs. The Carel du Toit Trust was established in 1988 to raise funds to financially support the Centre and supplement government funding. As a non-profit organisation, the Trust relies on the generosity of publics and corporates to raise the funds necessary to enable the Centre to operate optimally and ensure sustainability for future generations of deaf children. At the Centre, children’s fees are payable according to the family’s income and so there is an enormous need for donations and sponsorships for the Carel du Toit Centre to continue its effective work in teaching deaf children to speak.