Springboks hand over R15K cheque to Dasha Foundation

The decision on the donation was made amongst the players, three of which took part in the handover, namely Duane Vermeulen, Trevor Nyakane and Marnitz Boshoff - all from the Nelspruit region.

The cheque was received on behalf of the foundation by Principal Shirley Parsons, with a bunch of the children milling around, interacting and playing with the three Springbok players.

Photo credit: SARU

"We don't always realise how privileged and fortunate we are and to be able to give back to the children from Nelspruit is very humbling and special," said Vermeulen, who grew up in the Lowveld and attended Nelspruit High School.

"It was wonderful to interact with the kids, see the smiles on their faces and hear that all of them support the Springboks. We want to thank them for the opportunity to visit their school and wish them well for the future."

Why Dasha?

'Dasha' is a Russian word that means 'Gift of God'. The school opened in 1995 with three children and one teacher, but today it accommodates 47 people ranging from five to 27 year olds.

Photo credit: SARU

Apart from regular visits by occupational- and physiotherapists, the children also exercise according to their own needs, while day-to-day skills such as feeding themselves, drawing and playing music are taught and practiced.

The children are also taught regular school subjects, such reading, writing and arithmetic, with each child working at their own level, in their own workbook. Pottery and art work are favourite activities, swimming and other sports are encouraged with regular visits to gymnasiums and the children are also taught life-skills, how to behave in public as well as how to relate to one another and to others.