Andrea Gertse* is a 10-year-old girl from Wellington who has been part of DAPD, a beneficiary of the Val de Vie Foundation, for quite some time.
Her story began when her mother welcomed her into the world without complications—by all accounts, she was a healthy baby. But just one day later, everything changed.
Little Andrea needed to be placed on oxygen and remained in the hospital for two months because her body couldn’t produce enough oxygen on its own. During this time, she also had a tracheostomy tube inserted and her parents received the difficult news that her eyesight would be affected. Despite these challenges, Andrea was eventually discharged and went on to meet most of her developmental milestones, enabling her to do many things independently.
However, her parents noticed her vision deteriorating and Andrea was soon diagnosed with a visual impairment. It also became evident that she wasn’t verbally communicating at the expected level for her age. To ensure she received the necessary support, Andrea was enrolled at DAPD’s Milani Daycare Centre, where she follows a structured daily programme focused on developing basic life skills.
What stands out most about Andrea is her remarkable attitude and approach to life. She arrives at the centre each day with a bright smile and greets everyone warmly. Her infectious laughter fills the room as she plays with her classmates and she confidently carries out instructions on her own.
Andrea learns in three languages—Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa—and can recite daily storybooks from memory, answering questions about the stories in each language. This progress is a testament to the caring, supportive environment created by her caregivers at Milani Daycare Centre.
Thanks to her enthusiasm to learn, an application has been submitted for her admission to a special school, where she eagerly awaits acceptance. Until then, her journey with ophthalmology continues, and the Milani Daycare Centre team remains dedicated to supporting her growth, cherishing her positive presence every day.
*Pseudonym used to protect identity.
