Why the school was started

Donata School for Disabled Children came about through the vision of Donata Kalunga (left) after whom it is named. Having lived in the area for most of her life, Donata could see the devastating effects that disabilities have on children’s lives.

After creating local support through an Association for Disabled People, Donata focused on founding a school to meet the most critical needs.

With the support of Simon Hunt, a local farmer, the school was up and running by the end of 2004 with 20 children attending.

The school has been running since then and still only reaches a small proportion of the disabled children in the area. It is hoped that with greater funding and as it grows, the school will be able to reach many more.

In 2007, Adrienne Hunt took over managing the funding for the school.

Mission statement:

"CELEBRATING THE POWER OF DISABLED CHILDREN"

The Donata School’s mission is to provide education to disabled children in a caring and supportive way.

The intention is that through acquiring education and life skills, as well as receiving health care and good nutrition, the children will be able to look after themselves as adults.

The school aims to ensure equal opportunities for disabled children and to encourage self-expression, self-reliance and self-confidence.

It provides:

1. The only education for disabled children in the area
2. Gives education, where there would be none, in a caring and supportive way
3. Gives the children access to free medical treatment
4. All the books and stationary for free
5. Gives the children a free meal every day