When six-year-old Marco was first seen by the Drakenstein APD (DAPD) Social Worker in June 2024, he and his mother were quietly facing a difficult reality. Living in Paarl, Marco had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and was being raised by his young mother, who was experiencing significant mental health challenges herself. Despite her deep love for her son, their unstable living conditions and lack of access to therapeutic and medical services left both of them without the vital support they needed.
Over the course of a year, DAPD, a beneficiary of the Val de Vie Foundation, provided holistic care, beginning with weekly home visits that established trust and stability. These regular check-ins offered much-needed emotional support for Marco’s mother and facilitated his initial assessment and intake. He was placed on the waiting list for Milani Daycare Centre, a specialised facility operated by DAPD.
DAPD also ensured that Marco received a customised buggy, significantly enhancing his posture, mobility and participation in daily life. At the same time, the Social Worker coordinated access to occupational and physiotherapy, ensuring Marco’s development was supported at every stage.
In June 2025, Marco officially joined Milani Daycare Centre, a well-structured and nurturing environment that offers daily nutrition, sensory–motor stimulation as well as social engagement. Today, he beams with pride as he climbs into the daycare transport each morning, eager to learn and connect with his carers and peers.
Recognising that a child’s progress is closely linked to a caregiver’s well-being, DAPD also supported Marco’s mother by referring her for psychological counselling in mid-2024. After patiently waiting, she started therapy in July 2025, allowing her time to heal and to begin exploring job opportunities to reduce their financial stress.
This is more than just a story about medical and social support; it’s a tale of resilience, recovery, and the strength of community systems working together. Thanks to DAPD’s comprehensive care, Marco isn’t just a child with a diagnosis, he’s a thriving young boy full of potential. His mother isn’t held back by her past; she’s a woman courageously rebuilding her life with resilience and determination.
*Name changed to protect identity.
