Thabo Motlhabi
Children with autism are colourful. They are often very beautiful and, like a rainbow, they stand out. Curamus School for Autism, based in Krugersdorp, West Rand, proudly hosted its annual Spring Market Day on Friday, 29th and Saturday, 30th of August 2025. The vibrant two-day event took place on the school grounds and brought together learners, staff, parents, local community members, and key partners, including @VDS Academy and Adaptive Gyms.
Spring is a time of renewal, and the school welcomed the new season with joy and enthusiasm. The event was a celebration of talent, community spirit, and inclusion—offering learners with autism the opportunity to express themselves, showcase their creativity, and engage meaningfully with others.
A Vital Fundraising Initiative
Spring Market Day is a vital fundraising initiative for the school, held annually to support operational needs not fully covered by government funding. Proceeds from the event help pay for additional staff, utility bills, and other essential school expenses.
This year’s Market Day featured food stalls, handmade crafts, learner-run competitions, and live performances, all designed to empower learners while fostering community involvement. Parents and residents of the surrounding community turned out in strong support, shopping at the stalls and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
As the Principal of Curamus School for Autism, Mrs. Michelle Van Zyl, said: “The staff at Curamus School for Autism are incredibly thankful for everyone who supported this initiative. Each year, we see more love and growth around this idea. It’s inspiring to hear people asking, ‘When is the next market day?’ That shows us that our work is appreciated. We encourage everyone to follow our social media and visit our website for updates. Thank you to all who joined us—your support means everything.”
A Campaign of Collaboration and Empowerment
This campaign also featured a collaboration with @VDS Academy and Adaptive Gyms for Disability, whose mission aligns with Curamus’s vision of empowering learners with autism.
As a qualified trainer at @VDS Academy and Adaptive Gyms, Mrs. Michelle Fraser, said: “This was a new, incredibly positive experience. The day was spectacular—brilliantly organised and full of joy. The potjiekos was especially delicious. Early intervention addressing neuromuscular weakness is key to improving mobility, daily function, postural control, and stability. Our vision and aim are to transform, improve, and empower the lives of those who live with disabilities. We at @VDS Academy and Adaptive Gyms believe that exercise is a medicine which creates a better quality of life. It’s never too late to start.”
Campaigns like this reflect the heart of Curamus School—a place where every learner is given a chance to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. Most of the learners attend for free, yet the school continues to find creative ways to sustain and grow its programs.
The day was a resounding success—filled with fun, laughter, and love. Teachers, learners, parents, and the broader community spent quality time together in celebration of ability, potential, and progress.
