Up with Down’s consists of a school that covers basic academics with our learners, a Training Centre where our adults learn valuable life skills and a hostel. We have a total of 35 learners and 15 members of staff running this 3-in-1 facility.
Up with Down’s receives no government subsidies and school fees are insufficient to cover our operating costs. Or annual fundraising events help to fill the shortfall, and we are always on the lookout for volunteers to help us with various programs.
We operate within a Trust, and we are a registered Non Profit Organistation (PBO 930029476). All funds received go directly to the school and running of the hostel. Donations in cash or by means of service or goods are always welcome. Cash donations are tax deductible.
Visit our school
Should you wish to visit our school and meet our very special ‘family’ at Up with Down’s please feel free to contact the school office to set up a suitable time or visit our Facebook page for more information.
Bookings can be made through the school office to attend the coffee shop on a Wednesday morning at the Adult Training Centre, where the young adults cook, bake and wait on patrons – they just love to show visitors around the facility where life skills are the main focus of the program.
A hair salon, woodwork room, laundry and a very busy kitchen keep the young adults occupied.
Outings to the SPCA, library, working at Panarottis and the Heather Park Spar are just some of the fun excursions enjoyed each week. Volunteers give generously of their time to enable the learners to take part in hose riding at the George Riding Club and line dancing with “Steptogether”.
A full time Adult Home will complete the facility – a safe haven for our adults to live for the rest of their lives. It is an ongoing concern for families of children with special needs as to what will happen later in life when parents are no longer around.