Paul attended only two terms at the school in Worcester. Despite initial hopes, it quickly became evident that he would not master the computer keyboard, and further that he would be unable to gain sufficient credits to pass. Val and Mark took him home to Plett, and from there once again sent him to the John Palmer Hostel in Durban to give them time to investigate other avenues for a longer-term solution. This they believe they have now found.
Since March 2006 Paul has been resident at the Horizon Farm Trust in Natal – a welfare organisation that caters for people unable to hold their own in society – from mentally handicapped school-leavers to disabled children.
As a ‘villager’ there, Paul is involved in a number of activities, which include growing vegetables and looking after farm animals as part of the organisation’s animal-care-assisted therapy programme.
His eyesight is somewhat improved. He can now see the primary colours – red, blue and green. He is also able to see movement up to a distance of several metres, but still no detail. He is ever more articulate, and an avid listener to news, music and sport.
He cannot write or sign his name, but he is optimistic … as always.