A big dream is soon going to come true on Beverley and Johnny Viviers’ smallholding in Tierpoort. It is a dream that started when their daughter, Kelly, was born autistic and institutionalisation seemed to be her only option one day when her parents would no longer be there to care for her.

Now this will no longer be inevitable. Kelly and others facing similar challenges will be able to live semi-independently thanks to the Pathways Residence.

At Pathways Studio the young adults are taught skills to help them get meaningful employment

Beverley and Johnny donated one hectare of plot 176, Tierpoort to Pathways. They are raising funds to build the pioneer house on this piece of ground for the first group of young adults who are ready to leave their parents’ nests to live under the supervision of a housemother. “Our wish is for the young adults to be part of the community, living and working,” said Beverley, director of Pathways Pretoria.

The skills that Frits, one of the Pathways Residence candidates, has been taught enable him to work at Dionysus Sculpture Works

Pathways Pretoria, a non-profit organisation, is a centre for learners with special needs. The organisation started in August 2002 in a living room with six learners. Today there are 65 learners; 47 of them are aged between three and 15, and 18 are young adults. A staff of five teachers, 23 facilitators and three therapists, occupational, speech, language and music, provide services to these learners.

A Pathways group photo
Photo’s: Pathways

Two years ago Pathways Studio and Life Skills Centre was established to cater solely for the young adults. These young adults are from 16 to 30 years old and have various challenges such as autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, Williams Syndrome as well as moderate to severe learning or physical disabilities. “At Pathways Studio the young adults are taught skills to help them get meaningful employment and to become contributing members of society. And for the first time they can now spread their wings,” Beverley said.

The plans for a house with nine rooms; one for each of the young adults and one for the caregiver, has been approved. Those who can, will cook and clean for themselves, and support workers will provide the special care that is needed.

The Pathways young adults regularly go for outings

Pathways have arranged two projects to raise money to build the house. A masked ball dinner and dance will be held on Wednesday 21 April at Diep In Die Berg. There are tables of 10 and 12 seats and the tickets are R300 per person. The second project is a hunting prize valued at R35 000. Tickets are selling for R200. Wintershoek Safaris will take you to the luxurious Wag ’n Bietjie Lodge in Kimberley where all meals and access to a variety of hunting services are included. The winning ticket for the hunting prize will be drawn at the dance.

The 20-year old Kelly, on the autism spectrum, is employed for two days a week and cannot wait to spread her wings

For more information contact Beverley Viviers at tel: 082-495-6710 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Take a look at the plans for the Pathways Residence at www.pathways-residence. co.za.