The Dream

A project begins with a thought, the thought becomes a dream and the dream becomes a deed. We can climb mountains and reach the highest peaks when an idea becomes a dream and a dream becomes a reality.

I have worked as an Occupational Therapist for the past 30+ years in which time I worked primarily with learners with learning and other developmental problems. The largest part of my career I have spent working with children from the affluent community. Even the children whose parents could not necessarily afford therapy could still be considered as privileged. Their parents cared enough to send their children for therapy.

In South Africa there is an enormous difference between the “haves” and the “have-nots”. It is equivalent to the gulf between the first world and third world countries. Our medical and paramedical services are equivalent to the best in the world, for those who can afford it. Unfortunately the majority of our populace do not have any access to these services.

My dream is to be able to offer these services to the underprivileged.

- Annatjie van Niekerk

The Origin of the name:

Senecio Arenarius
Afrikaans: Hongerblom (Hungry flower)

The Senecio Arenarius is a flower that blooms in the harshest of conditions. With even the slightest attention, these seemingly insignificant flowers can blossom into something quite remarkable. The hungry flowers of the community, the underprivileged disabled children, also have this astounding potential. All they need is a few drops of tender love and care, a beam of positive thinking and somebody to believe in them.

Our Mission

Our aim is to reach out to children with disabilities who do not have regular access to therapy and therapeutic services due to difficult social circumstances. We would like to build a bridge between them and the sources that are available. We wish to empower the care givers and parents with knowledge and skills to be more effective in the way they look after the “hungry flowers” of the community.

The Logo

Karolien Perold is the creator of this very striking logo. In her own words:
"I tried to combine the ideas of humanity and support through the use of shapes that represent both a flower as well as a person. The shading and texture come directly from real plants."

Senecio’s objectives

To procure the services of knowledgeable and experienced physio-, speech- and occupational therapists, registered at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HSPCSA), to provide therapy for children with disabilities who do not have access to state or private practitioners;
To help children with physical and mental disabilities attain their full potential;
To establish an efficient support system by empowering teachers, care givers and other health workers with knowledge and resources to support the children with disabilities;
To help children with disabilities with the procurement of adaptive furniture, aids and transport such as wheelchairs, walking frames, splints and other required devices with maximum independency as goal;
To raise awareness and enlighten communities regarding the care and treatment of children with disabilities;
To encourage community support and involvement in the treatment and care of these children;
To procure the financial support necessary to sustain this project.