Joshua is 10 years old. He has severe autism, is non-verbal, and lives with epilepsy. He relies completely on routine and the people who understand him to feel safe — and right now, that safety is at risk.<br />His family can no longer afford his school fees from next year. They've applied for a place at a public special needs school, but the waiting list is long, and there's no way to know how long they'll have to wait.<br />To keep Joshua in the school where he is safe, cared for, and understood — while they wait — his family needs approximately R9,200/month.<br />

Each morning, several students arrive at school carrying their books in temporary shopping bags. These bags are not strong enough for daily use and, over time, they wear out or tear, leaving books exposed to damage. Despite this challenge, the students continue to attend school and do their best in class. However, carrying books this way is uncomfortable and not sustainable for their learning. A simple backpack would make a significant difference, helping them carry their materials safely and comfortably each day. Currently, 30 students need backpacks.