Newsletters/Feedback

KWELA KIDS/PARENT/STUDENT's FEEDBACK

Kids With Energy Love Activity 2018

I am a newly qualified Occupational Therapist, that graduated from the University of Witwatersrand just two days before KWELA Camp 2018. My course, in particular, did not allow for much experience in paediatrics, despite it being my greatest area of interest. My practical knowledge was gained only through a 4 week elective block, which I spent observing therapists at a Sensory Integration practice in Durbanville. It was here were I first learnt about the KWELA camp. It sounded like an amazing opportunity to not only learn more about sensory integration, but to gain practical experience in how it works. KWELA did indeed teach me, but in a way that far exceeded my expectations.

KWELA became the ultimate lesson of occupational therapy as a whole. It was a rare privilege to walk through each child’s daily occupations from start to finish, and to see the interconnectedness of these occupations with their individual personalities, habits and difficulties. With this in-depth understanding of each child’s occupations, we as therapists could adapt our approaches and guide the children in their routines, consequently building independence and promoting occupational engagement. From showering and eating, to working in a group and playing, each situation was used as a therapeutic opportunity and the results were amazing. One case that comes to mind is that of an 11 year old boy with suspected ASD. At the start of the camp he was mostly dependent in his personal management tasks, requiring constant prompting and physical support to get dressed. By the end of the camp he was completing these tasks with minimal prompting and no physical support. This improvement was, in part, attributed to the SI focused therapy.

The exposure to SI as a whole was also phenomenal. The incredible therapists took time to explain the “why” behind each therapeutic activity and tool they used, like the spandex. They explained the core aspects of SI in a way that was both interesting and incredibly informative. The therapists described core concepts like the tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive systems, and how through the use of different tools and activities we as therapists can influence these systems. They explained how increasing and decreasing stimuli can be used to achieve the ultimate goal of integration of the systems. One experience I was not expecting was that of completing the SI “obstacle courses” myself. It was a unique opportunity to put myself in the children’s shoes, to see how they might respond and to acknowledge how my own systems respond.

Hand-in-hand with this I completed my own sensory profile, which further taught me about my own systems and interpretations of the world. It gave me a deeper understanding of myself both personally, why I act the way I do with peers and family, and professionally, how I respond and relate to my patients, and in this case the children. We were also orientated to the Alert Programme, a tool used to help the children monitor, maintain and adjust their alertness levels. I found myself using these strategies to monitor and adjust my own alertness level, controlling my systems and feelings to extend my therapeutic use of self.

These strategies came in handy as the camp was also tough, with early mornings and late nights. They helped me cope with the demands, allowing me to recognise when I needed a break, and aiding me when a break was not a possibility. The busy days also challenged me as a person to take initiative, to be responsible for my own learning, and trust my own abilities with the children. For example, I ran one of the craft activities. This was a rewarding opportunity to practice my clinical reasoning – particularly with knowing when to upgrade and downgrade activities and when to make slight adjustments to the presentation of the activities. I had to trust what I had learnt theoretically in university and put it into practice, and use the mishaps as learning, improving the activity for the next group.

Despite the physical and emotional demands of the camp, everything was so worth it in the end. Seeing such improvement in the children, and knowing I played a small part in this, was an indescribable feeling. This camp gave me an opportunity to explore working with children and looking back, this is something I definitely want to do.

In conclusion, KWELA was a phenomenal experience that gave me the opportunity to grow my knowledge and myself, both professionally and personally. I would like to extend my biggest and most sincere thanks to SAISI, for affording me this incredible opportunity. This experience is not something I will easily forget. I look forward to working with SAISI in the future to become an SI qualified OT!

Many thanks,

Megan

2015 Feedback

And yet......... Another amazing Kwela Concert!

As i sit on the edge of my bed,waiting for the last one to fell asleep it touches my heart to know each and everyone here tonight at Kwela feels special and amazed by what is magic!!!

They are truely happy and PLAY , childs play, is the word that comes to mind!

Dear SAISI Board,

This is to say a huge thank you for sponsoring me to be able to attend kwela. I can't thank you enough, it was really amazing and such an awesome experience!

It was really great to see the growth and progress that kids had made by the end of the camp. They were applying what they had learnt and having such a good time too. It was awesome to see the skills they had developed by the end that if they had an issue, most of the kids were able to make a plan and problem solve more effectively.

There was a little boy in our group who is very auditory sensitive. On the second last day, he came to say that he didn't want to continue with the game because of the noise the others were making. We told him to sort it out himself/make a plan and he was able to go back and participate, taking himself away from the noise when he needed to.

The confidence that these children had developed was amazing; watching their concert was very sweet as so many children volunteered to stand up and perform their skills in front of others. Some of the children had such talents and some amazing physical capabilities (they are able to do things that I can't even do yet).

The other awesome thing to see was the support that the kids gave to one another. It was great to see kids understand and support one another, helping them through challenges.

For me it was such a great learning experience, not only to have the opportunity of working with so many experienced therapists who all bring their skills and knowledge but also learning from the children. I attended C1, 2 and 3 this year and wasn't going to go to kwela because of finances (still owing people money for the SI Courses) so I am so so grateful that I got the opportunity. It was great after doing the theory courses to actually see SI in practice and watch the kids. I learnt so much and it was really great to be at a place to be able to learn from so many therapists, particularly because I work on my own and therefore have limited exposure to SI in my practice. I think kwela has helped to improve my personal skills in SI, which will improve the treatment I am able to give to kids once I am fully SI trained. :)

Something else I learnt for myself was that "I can"- I did things I was never able to do before. I know this is something we always teach our kids, saying to them never say you can't and I do know that BUT when I came to certain things, I was a bit scared that I couldn't. I think also, being an adult one seems more sure of one's abilities and what we think we can't do. I got to try climb through some of the spandex which was super awesome. I had watched some of the kids roly-poly onto the crash mat or from 1 spandex to another and thought that was something I'd never be able to do although I wished I could. The others encouraged me and I thought I would fall out of the spandex or something but I did it. I was able to and I landed in the spandex. That was very empowering. I am writing this because I think that is what some of the kids go through and it was amazing to experience this for myself. I now have a better understanding and can empathise with the kids. It is very wonderful that us as OTs can help kids to empower themselves and learn that they can.

I am already looking forward to kwela next year and hoping I'll be able to do it again.Thank you so much!

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for assisting me with fees for KWELA Camp 2015.

The experience of attending the camp was like no other I have ever had before. In less than a week, I grew exponentially, both personally and professionally. Your generous sponsorship offered me the opportunity to immerse myself in a therapeutic world that far surpassed my expectations and reminded me of the enormous privilege of being able to nurture and influence the young minds that came into my care while at KWELA.

It was a camp I will surely remember for the rest of my career, and I am already looking forward to attending again next year.

I like to send you a big HUG and THANKS to you and all your team for making such a great experience possible to M. She came absolutely happy about the camp, full of stories and motivations
Thank you so much for all you do. Kwela is an amazing place which both Z and N adore and look forward to from the minute we drive out from the camp.
Thank you Kwela 2015!!!!

2014 feedback

I just wanted to thank you for the amazing opportunity to serve at Kwela camp this year. I had a load of fun and learnt so, so much! It has been a great experience and a beautiful reminder of what I am passionate about, and I know this reminder will serve as a motivating factor as I work towards becoming an OT myself. I will definitely be joining every year from here on!

Thank you once again for an amazing time accompanied by great memories and so much new knowledge gained!

Thanks for the pics are stunning – can see they all had a blast but I could especially see C enjoyed it and he was happy…

He still can’t stop talking about the camp – I’m going again next year mom….

I just wanted to write a note of thanks for all the inputs Kwela gave to M. She cannot stop raving about the camp and is already talking about next year. I have noticed such a leap in her emotional maturity and the use of a "big girl" voice. I am so proud of her!!

Wil net weer baie dankie se vir die kamp. D het dit omtrent geniet – julle doen uitstekende werk.

Children's feedback : 2013

Mom, I had a great time. I would definitely go back and do it again. I rate the camp 9/10! I enjoyed some activities more than others but they where all fun and I tried everything at least once. The food was great, except breakfast. It was the same every day and Mom, we never got eggs. Not once! My best meal were the hamburgers. Mom, I won the golden cup for hula hooping the longest. Guess what my time was, 14 minutes 27 seconds. I could have lost that competition as another good girl got bumped by accident and there was not enough time to redo the competition. Mom, I took forever to fall asleep in the evenings so Caylin and I talked and talked. Mom, the camp was just the right amount of time. I really started to miss you and was glad to come home! What did you learn my darling. Personal space Mom. Hannah must go to camp Mom, then Hannah will learn to give me mine!

Thank you so very much for Erin’s awesome experience at camp. She came back a giggling geese and full of stories. She really enjoyed herself.

Student feedback : 2013

My name is Tanita Smith, I graduated from UCT as an Occupational Therapist

last year and I am currently completing my community service year at Frere

Hospital in East London. I met Dana Katz as I was one of the student

representatives for OTASA and I expressed that I was feeling concerned that

I did not have enough practical experience with working with children and I

was concerned about not knowing enough when going on community service in

the following year. I also went to watch her work for 2 mornings earlier in

the year and I really enjoyed the type of OT that she was doing. She kindly

told me about the Kwela camp and she said that she thought I would really

enjoy it and that it is a really fun and enjoyable way to learn about

Occupational Therapy and working with children who have sensory integration

needs. During my degree, I learnt a little bit about sensory integration,

but I did not have the opportunity to learn about the practical side of

sensory integration and in general my clinical practice with children was

quite limited.

I attended Kwela camp at the end of 2013, at a time which was quite scary

for me as I had recently finished my degree but I was feeling quite nervous

about my community service year and that there were so many different areas

in paediatric Occupational therapy that I was still lacking. I was also so

keen to learn because all the stress from completing my degree was over and

now I was at the stage where I felt that I was truly able to learn and

absorb as much information as possible. I was definitely quite concerned

about the financial aspect of paying for Kwela camp, but the learning

opportunity was just way too important for me to miss! So I managed to

convince my parents to help pay for me to go and I promised I would pay them

back when I started working. Kwela camp turned out to be so so much more

than I could have ever hoped for!

There were so many great memories and experiences which truly stood out for

me, from learning how to brush the children, helping the children out on the

perceptual motor courses and playing in the sensory integration room as well

as sharing and seeing their growth and development during the life skills

sessions. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of the individuals on a

personal level and being there for them in their times of need such as

midnight toilet trips, making new friends, dealing with their anxiety and

frustrations and the morning dance sessions. I really appreciated being part

of managing their daily routines and took the role of token master terribly

seriously and watching them grow so much in this area was very rewarding.

Another aspect of Kwela camp which I really appreciated was getting to know

other Occupational Therapy students who were just as passionate about their

studies as I was as well as qualified Occupational Therapists. I loved

seeing how everyone was so passionate about their jobs and especially

sensory integration which made me even more excited about my job and working

specifically in this area of Occupational Therapy. I found Kwela such a

supportive, non-judgmental and continuously inspirational learning

environment which at times I really struggled to find at university. I was

also at the same time able to learn a lot about myself and my own sensory

integration needs and how I myself can work on these aspects.

Now that I am currently working with my own patients who have sensory

integration difficulties, learning difficulties and a few who are on the

autism spectrum I find myself continuously referring back to what I learned

at Kwela camp. This has made me even more excited to return to Kwela and to

continue to learn about sensory integration and how it can assist in the

treatment of these children and my own personal development.

I would like to thank the SAISI board for assisting in making Kwela camp

such a truly wonderful experience and for assisting with the financially

where possible. I am looking forward to returning to Kwela camp and to

continue my growth and learning in this area as and Occupational Therapist!

Talia:

I had a fulfilling and inspiring time at KWELA, and it gave me insight into the sensory integration framework that we do not usually get to experience at an undergraduate level. I am looking forward to using this way of thinking later on in the year during my paediatric placement, hopefully at KWELA at the end of the year, and potentially further my knowledge of SI once I have graduated

2012

I will ask M to write a "warm fuzzie". A huge thank you to KWELA from our family! We are so grateful to you for giving M the opportunity to go on camp, make new friends and broaden his life experiences. Thank you for chatting to him through out the year and preparing him for camp. He had no doubts about going and was super excited. He should be so proud of himself. Both A and I think we would be freaked out about going away on our own with 40 strangers for 5 nights, so we are very proud of M.

Dear KWELA, thank you sooo much for affording K this awesome opportunity. She has come home with loads of stories and things that she wants to share with the family. When I asked her what she most enjoyed about Kwela, she said 'EVERYTHING!' And when I asked her what she had learnt she said ' when you feel cold pricklies inside of you, don't let them prick others....always let the warm fuzzies flow out'. Wow, what an amazing insight for a 7 year old! I love it! Thanks once again for the photos and constant updates, and for looking after my child so well. You guys are the best!

Verskriklik baie dankie dat ek kon deel wees van KWElA. Dit was vir my 'n onvergeertlike ervaring en julle sien my defnitief elke jaar vir die volgende 50jaar!!

ek dink dit is so 'n stunning geleentheid vir studente en werkende OT's wat meer ondervinding wil opdoen en ook leer.

Ek het bitter baie geleer by jou en al die ander OT's deur net daar te wees en te kyk en self dinge uit te probeer.

julle doen 'n ongelooflike diens vir die kinders deur terapie te gee asook goed soos lifeskills en social skills te verbeter en hulle bloot te stel aan goed waaran hulle nie gewoont is nie soos bv netheid in jou tent (haha).

Thank you for empowering my boy. He has grown up soo much over these last days.

A very special thanx for yet another stunning kwela camp……D says this one was THE BEST!!!!! D has come home a different child….kwela has done wonders for him and us………….….he seems soo calm, confident, happy, obedient etc etc (all the good stuff)The kwela camp is money soooo well spent…..a true investment!!!!Think he also really benefited from the therapy work each day. A huge big thanks for making all this possible and creating this wonderful opportunity for our kids!!!! And for all your commitment and dedicaton – we appreciate your time.

A says: “ The best part of Kwela was making new friends, learning about other people’s feelings, and working together as a team. I really liked the obstacle course, especially crawling through the mud. It was sad to say good bye to all my new friends. ”It sounds like she had an awesome week, fulled with so much that she can’t remember it all at once. Thank you for all the hard work you and the team put in to make this happen and to make it such an unforgettable experience for the kids.

Ek wil net vir jou se BAIE dankie vir al julle moeite en liefde. Dit klink regtig of C dit baie geniet het. Ek sal hom vra om ietsie te skryf sodra hy eendag weer wakker word:).

When you said on Tuesday night that you cried the whole way to Peregrine on the way home, I thought that would not be me. But sure as rain, on the way back the tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought back on our little treasures that we had be handed to us for the week.I thought just how much both them and us had grown in such a short space of time. To be part of Kwela (as a child, student or therapist) is truly a privilege! To witness the growth in confidence and the tiny little goals achieved by each individual child is an exhilarating experience. There is really something magical about Kwela. Thank you so much for making sure it happens every single year and every year is better than before.

I have thought very very hard about what we could improve for next year’s camp and really can’t think of much at this point. I think one beneficial thing, may be to provide plastic containers for water babies (even if we put this on the list of what to bring with to camp) . We had quite a few wet beds and spills from leaking packets this year.

Thank you again for the a super camp, I can not wait to see what next year shall bring.

Verskriklik baie dankie dat ek kon deel wees van KWElA. Dit was vir my 'n onvergeertlike ervaring en julle sien my defnitief elke jaar vir die volgende 50jaar!!

ek dink dit is so 'n stunning geleentheid vir studente en werkende OT's wat meer ondervinding wil opdoen en ook leer.

Ek het bitter baie geleer by jou en al die ander OT's deur net daar te wees en te kyk en self dinge uit te probeer.

STUDENT FEEDBACK 2012

Dear Kwela

Well what can I say ?

The first day I arrived with mixed emotions, nervous,excitement, unsure of the unknown.

The varsity students and OT therapists were all so friendly and inviting, soon all my "cold pricklies" were gone and I was left with "warm fuzzies".

On the first day I was pretty shy but soon came out of my shell and was laughing and making new friends.

The next day we were already working as team helping each other over and about the obstacle courses (Sid style) . After some refreshing fruit and juice we made paper mache Sids. Soon came the part of the day everyone looked most forward to : the SI lab. We jumped and fell and climbed like there was no end. I dont know how we managed to have any energy left to play in free time , but we did. We played lots of ball games , running about and doing what Kwela kids do best : have fun.

Every morning we started the day learning how to handle our cold priclies and warm fuzzies. We then do many fun active activites and have crafts every day (papermasks, mini volcanos and yummy cookies to take home and show mommy) Excitedly we did the SI lab everyday.

Some of the stuff many of my friends had a hard time doing but we all encouraged each other and thats what made a Kwela child special.

I guess if you were reading this not knowing me you would think I was a Kwela child? Infact, I am a 16 year old ,Stellenberg High School Student.

If I ever have the amazing opportunity to study Occupational Therapy I wouldn't turn it down for the world. After Kwela I realise what an OT can do in a child's life. I don't regard the children as kids but as my friends because honestly, I did everything with them . I could barely keep my eyes open when night fell, but the next day I would have to do it all over again.

As I'm still in high school I couldn't do much therapy wise, but I learnt what it means to be an OT. It's amazing what these little busy bodies taught me - life lessons . I came back knowing more about myself and gained different insights to life.

What did Kwela mean to me?

In short : Im already counting down the days till the next Kwela camp.

Thank-you Kwela, you made a difference in my life.

Parent Feedback 2011

Thankyou soooo much ……so happy with my decision ……D… LOVED it!!!!!

Have a great holiday and thanks for all your time that goes into organizing such an awesome camp for our kids.

Thanks you so very much, J… had an AWSOME time at camp and came back singing songs and doing dances for us.

It was lovely!

Thank you for Camp Kwela, my boys had a wonderful time and cannot wait for next year !! We will definitely take a CD/DVD when it is ready.

Baie dankie vir ‘n wonderlike kamp. N… het dit verskriklik geniet en het heelwat gehad om te vertel en oor te sing (met die “moves” by).

A… loved it and wants to do OT this year, just so she can go to Kwela again.

We still often talk about her experiences, she gave us a concert to show the songs she has learned and she sometimes misses some of the friends she made.

I can definitely see an improvement in her level of emotional maturity since she did the camp.

KIDS SAID THE DARNDEST THINGS

Ian (hut 2): When phoning mom – “Dis so heerlik hierso, ek gaan vir altyd hier bly, Mamma kan vir my partykeer kom kuier!”

Kean: Says to Mariette when she speaks Afrikaans: “ Excuse me, I think you must talk in a real voice"

On a group hike: “I liked the walk but now my little legs are soooooo tired”

When being consoled for missing mom: Therapist: “I would also be sad if I were you.”

Kean: “Ja, I am sure you would be sad if you were my age.”

All: 1,2,3, look at me!!!

Charl (Hut 5): When asked what a banana sandwich tastes like: “ Like a bit of banana and a bit of sandwich.”

Little Ruan (hut 8): “NÉ tannie NÉ!”

“Ek gaan nog 100 slaapies hier bly NÉ tannie!”

Dylan Allport: When asked if he wants a hug goodnight: “I am too tired!”

“I hate the camp but the food is great!”

We thank Day 'n Night Removals

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