Lusito School offers life-long hope
“Without Lusito School, Marco would not be the person he is today."
LUSITO School, located in Johannesburg South, started off as a small day-care centre, but has since developed into a fully-fledged school for the differently-abled.
Today, the school has more than 80 learners from across South Africa and Africa.
“Lusito School cares for individuals with cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Down’s syndrome and other syndromes,” said school principal Deolinda Molina. “Our school is more than an institution that teaches and cares for differently-abled children, though. It is a place where hope widely spreads and children’s lives are changed for the better forever.”
One such example is Marco Gomes who, despite being differently-abled, has overcome worldly expectations and progressed from being a learner at the Lusito School to being an invaluable member of staff.
Gomes (44) suffered from cerebral anoxia when he was a toddler. At the tender age of two months, doctors had to operate on his heart to assist his oxygen-starved brain. The cerebral anoxia affected Marco’s mental development, rendering him completely dependent on the aid of his mother and the assistance of his teachers at the Lusito School.
But in spite of this, Gomes managed to not only graduate but has become a long-standing employee at the school.
“The human spirit can endure, but more so, it can soar despite adversity. Marco embodies this principle and is an inspiration to everyone else around him,” commented Deolinda.
Sense of purpose
“Marco assists teachers in the classroom and feeds children who are too young or incapable of feeding themselves,” Deolinda explained. “He also paints and fixes whatever is broken around the school. He gets along with everyone and one can see he truly enjoys his job.”
Marco’s mother, Lourdes Gomes, also commented: “Marco came to Lusito School when he was five years old. He has been working there for 14 years. He is a part of Lusito School, and Lusito is a huge part of him. He even struggles to keep himself busy when it’s the holidays; his job fills him with so much pride. This job offers Marco a huge sense of purpose.
“Without Lusito School, Marco would not be the person he is today. He lives for helping those children because I believe he understands the importance of receiving help from someone that truly cares about you,” Lourdes concludes.
However, Lourdes also admits that it hasn’t been an easy journey.
“It’s been a long road for all of us. I’ve had to teach Marco to read and handle himself. As we are all aware, most things in this world don’t cater for differently-abled people and most things can be a hazard to them. Even now, I’m always mothering him,” said Lourdes.
Lusito School is managed by the Lusito Association, a non-profit organisation that raises funds for Lusito School and maintains it. This association’s biggest fund-raising event is the Lusito Land Festival, the ultimate cultural, family-friendly event.
The Lusito Land Festival will take place from April 20 to April 22, then again from April 26 to 28 on Cayman Road, Johannesburg South. The festival offers delectable cuisine, live performances by local and international musicians, a play area for children and a host of entertainment to keep everyone busy.
All proceeds raised at the event are in aid of Lusito School. For more information visit www.lusitoassociation.org.za
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
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