Prior to the handover, the mothers of the children also received exercise tips from a physiotherapist at The Paige Project, a charity organisation that raises funds to supply equipment and training to vulnerable families with children living with mental and physical disabilities.

These exercises are designed to assist the children to loosen their joints and in doing so, improving movement.

Cerebral palsy is understood as 'brain paralysis' and a disability that affects movement and body position. Studies have found that South Africa has a high rate of cerebral palsy (10 for every 1 000 births as compared to the global average of 2.1 per 1 000 births).

Cerebral palsy may result from developmental problems in the womb, such as an infection, or may be due to a difficult or premature birth. In some cases, there is no clear cause for the condition.

The organisation says that for many families, securing mobility devices to address their children's varying postural support needs is very difficult. Children with cerebral palsy, particularly those with scoliosis, risk worsening spinal problems if the correct equipment isn't available.

In addition to the wheelchairs, the mothers were happy to learn they would also receive buggies. Buggies, which will be largely for home use, also provide postural and full-body support to help control spasms, muscle weakness and imbalances.

There is also an adjustable tilt-in-space feature. Ruth Stubbs of The Page Project measured the children in order to ensure the equipment would be adjusted and / or built specifically for their particular needs.

"We're helping mothers to empower themselves," says Tammy Greyling, operations director at Clothes to Good, a social enterprise that recycles used and new clothing to create economic opportunities for low-income communities with a focus on people with disabilities.

"We know that according to the moms, the three biggest wishes for their children are schools, wheelchairs and nappies," adds Greyling.

On the day of the handover, two of the donated wheelchairs proved suitable for two of the children. For the other two children who live with severe spinal scoliosis, their specifically built wheelchairs will be delivered before Tuesday, 15 December 2020.

"At Afrika Tikkun, we believe in the holistic approach," says Birgit Vijverberg, the organisation's chief operating officer. "We see children as full human beings and so recognise the need to provide comprehensive services such as social services and primary healthcare."

"We are, therefore, dependent on incredible partners such as Sitwell, Clothes to Good, Shonaquip and The Paige Project. We're extremely appreciative for this donation," concludes Vijverberg. 

For more information, visit www.sitwell.co.za.