History

During the early 90's, while in full time practice as a speech therapist, I saw many children who had the potential to be developed and who could function fully if they were exposed to the right mixture of love, therapy and education.  We had thought that our call to full time ministry would be traditional, but more and more, as my compassion for these children grew, I realized that a new vision was taking shape.  Central to this vision has always been the intention to realize the full potential of every individual child and to enable each one to live, play and learn among mainstream peers. It was clear that we would establish a mainstream facility without a "need" label to enable smooth integration between young learners with specific learning challenges and mainstream learners.

In 1996, Tomorrow's People opened its doors for the first time as a pre-primary school.  We rented school space with one teacher, one speech therapist, one occupational therapist and 4 children!  It is humbling to think back to those small beginnings, and to see what has been accomplished in a short 10 years.

We had a vision and hearts filled with faith, but the journey would prove to be a challenge.  Within 8 months of opening, we had 60 children and needed bigger premises.  We moved into the first house in our Faerie Glen complex in January 1997.  Over the next two years rapid expansion took place as we opened our sister school, also a pre-primary, on the grounds of the University of Pretoria in 1998, followed by the first intake of primary school children at our Faerie Glen complex in 1999.

The decision to expand to primary education came as a result of an expressed need by parents and having overcome a number of facility challenges, we started with 12 learners.  Since those early days, we have slowly added to our Faerie Glen complex by purchasing adjacent properties and developing our facilities.  It was a relief when we could bring greater functionality to our daily operations by moving the school administration into a dedicated admin section.

7 Years on, those first primary school learners had already left, but new ones followed in their steps and again, with the support and encouragement of parents, we introduced the Intersen Phase, which now allows learners to complete their education up to Grade 7.  In 2010, we also introduced a Grade 6 remedial class.

Our early vision has been confirmed through the consistent growth of Tomorrow's People School.  Now, in 2010, 145 learners are registered and we have had to submit plans for an additional 3 class rooms to accommodate the growing Intersen Phase.  This will be followed in 2010 by building our own school hall, which will make us truly independent in terms of so many of our activities that had to be moved to other venues in the past.

The good work that the Lord has begun, He will complete.

ZELNA BOTES

Principal and Executive Manager

Tomorrow's People Schools