Like any child, Berewine Gertse wishes to run around carefree and play with her friends and soon, thanks to the help of Good Samaritans from a Camps Bay-based organisation, her wish will be granted.
Gertse (12), a Kalksteenfontein Primary learner, was born with leg length discrepancy (a condition where one leg is longer than the other).
Members of Ignisive – ignite inclusive change “adopted” the school to cater to the social needs of the learners. The Camps Bay-based organisation consists of various entities, from local government, police, businesses and residents.
When members of the organisation visited the school in October, they learned about Berewine’s challenge and decided to get involved.
Blanche Gertse, Berewine’s mother, explains that her daughter is a miracle baby who was born at 26 weeks.
Due to financial constraints, the 12-year-old’s parents are unable to afford a medical moon boot for her. As a result, Berewine walks with a makeshift moon boot, consisting of a slipper tied around her leg with a rope.
Sgt Glynnis Bester, Crime Information Officer at Camps Bay Police Station, says: “On Thursday 13 October, we arranged for eye tests to be done with the learners. When the Grade 1s came for their test, I saw Berewine walking with a limp. When she left, I saw the makeshift boot. I called her back and after speaking to her, I thought to myself, she needs a proper medical moon boot.”
Bester says the team from Ignisive was informed and members immediately jumped into action.
“We were looking for a doctor who will be able to assist us. On Thursday 10 November, a resident came forward and I explained the situation to him. He said he wanted to help. We have now dubbed the project ‘operation boot’.”
Bester explains that Berewine will be getting a new medical moon boot thanks to funds made available by the Children’s Hospital Trust, a non-profit organisation that raises funds to support the advancement of child healthcare across the Western Cape and the continent.
Toni Erasmus, Communications Officer for the trust, says the trust relies on donors to realise its aims and objectives.
She says 100% of all donations go directly to prioritised pediatric healthcare needs.
Bester says they want to give the girl a chance to enjoy her life like any child.
Catri Hamman, school principal at Kalksteenfontein Primary, explains that the school was contacted by a social worker late last year regarding placement for Berewine.
Hamman says because of the girl’s walking challenge, she never attended school and started Grade 1 for the first time this year.
“Berewine was shy and didn’t talk much when she arrived here. But now she is more talkative. We have seen a massive self-confidence boost. She is quite bright and smart.”
“No one made fun of Berewine or made her feel uncomfortable. And I think that is what helped her become more confident.”
Hamman thanked the Ignisive team and The Children’s Hospital Trust for helping Berewine.
On Wednesday 7 December, Berewine underwent a medical examination at Groote Schuur Hospital and will be fitted with a new boot from the Pinelands Orthopaedic Centre in the coming months.
Berewine says she is grateful to everyone who is assisting her.
“I want to run and play with my friends. I love learning at school. I look forward to seeing what they are going to do to help me.”
