Written by: Shanice Pillay

Love and passion for special needs children stirred Nozipho Thwala (44) to assist parents with their difficulties.

“Most parents are suffering with their kids who has special needs and they do not have an idea what is going with their child and what exactly needs to be done, I couldn’t just sit and not doing anything because the problem was escalating,” said Thwala.

The former Mpumalanaga resident began her career in teaching as a volunteer before being appointed at a special needs school based in Monclair, which dealt with autistic children. Her passion for people grew up from humble beginnings.

“Coming from a family of nine, our parents raised us with love and the foundation being God, they taught us to be what we can be and respect life as well people. We are a very close family and growing up with my siblings was the most enjoyable experience one could never forget,” she said.

She obtained a Diploma in Education from Eshowe College, an advanced Certificate in Education and most recent her honours in Bachlor of Education majoring in learning barriers.

After seeing the gap between of parents with special needs children and their understanding of them, she decided to resign from her teaching post and took the time to write a book.

“The book is written in IsiZulu with an aim of accommodating parents who are none english readers, but can be in a position of reading a Zulu bible. Aiming at parents to understand what is going on with a child, what makes him or her to struggle at school, how to handle them, where to go for help and who can help the child,” she said.

The book offers all the necessary information which can help not only parents but teachers who are unable to recognise and respond to children with ADD/ADHD as well as autistic children.

Thwala enjoys giving motivational talks and hopes to be a public speaker one day. Apart from her busy schedule she likes to travel read a book and cook to unwind.

She hopes her book assists parents and teachers which will later change the education system itself.

“I hate to see children struggle, parents stressed and teachers being confused, so I am hoping that my book will reach more people and also will make a difference in the community and education at large,” said Thwala.

One of her projects that she is working on is too build a special needs school, as well as a reading center for children.

Thwala is inspired by Darren Hardy’s words – the lack of consistenacy is the subtle stealer off dreams.

*Caption: Nozipho Thwala, with her special needs book.