Social Work student Brenda Klopper, who has cerebral palsy, is undergoing treatment and hopes to fulfil her dream of putting on her graduation gown and walking across the stage to receive her Unisa degree in three years’ time.
Ask any child about their dreams and aspirations and many will point to the stars. Some will want to be the president, others doctors, lawyers or artists. But 29-year-old Unisa student Brenda Klopper wants to achieve something most people take for granted every day – walk on her own two feet.
Brenda is currently pursuing her degree in social work through Unisa and is employed by Anglo Platinum. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) because of an injury at birth and has spent most of her life in a wheelchair. CP is a medical condition caused by brain damage and characterised by nerve and muscle dysfunction.
However, her condition has not dampened her strong will and indomitable spirit. For Brenda, having a disability doesn’t make her less capable. “I think prejudice is at the root of many problems we face today. Disability is not a burden or a curse but a blessing and an opportunity for growth; it gives you a way of seeing life through different eyes. Everyone is disabled in some way; some of us just have visible flaws.”
Understanding prejudice more than most, Brenda says, “Mostly people are broken on the inside, and we are so busy hurting and hating each other that we can’t see the pain. It is up to you and me to treat each other with the respect and dignity we deserve. The outside inevitably fades but the inside eternally stays, so can’t we just treat each other with grace?”
It is this very attitude that has inspired Brenda to spur on others with disabilities. She has spearheaded a fund designated specifically for disabled scholars through the Greater Rustenburg Community Foundation (GRCF). Brenda previously served on the GRCF Youth Bank, where she identified community development projects and approached donors for funding.
Helping fellow students through the Brenda Klopper Scholarship for the Disabled holds a special place in her heart. “I wanted to join the donor family because I want to help people. I am where I am today because of God’s grace and the mercy and support of family, friends, and bursaries. I wanted to pay it forward, and, in a small way, give others the chance that has been granted to me.” The GRCF has also committed to a matching grant towards the fund, an act of support that Brenda praises.
Brenda is philosophical about why donors should contribute towards the fund, as she believes helping a disabled scholar can be the key to helping them obtain freedom. “I would like prospective donors to know that this is a gift of freedom not only in mind and soul, but, for a disabled person, in body as well. I believe education gives people living with disabilities a sense of purpose and independence that they may not have had.”
And it’s Unisa that has given her that very same sense of freedom as she works towards her degree. For Brenda, her willingness to help people grow and develop through her career choice was motivated by her own condition. Unisa’s open distance learning (ODL) model has helped greatly in that regard. “Unisa has afforded me the opportunity to learn without limits. Working and studying is, at times, a challenge but that is why distance learning emphasises the importance of a support system of friends and family.”
Her career path and choice of study is one that is very close to her heart. “Social work at its roots is about empowerment and helping people to grow and develop. I suppose my disability has contributed to my career choice as it is my dream to help inspire and motivate people in any way I can.”
Brenda believes that the grace of God, a never-say-die attitude, and humility, even in the face of daunting challenges, have been key factors in her success. She says other disabled students should always remember that the tests of life are there to be overcome. “You always have a choice, no matter what. It is true that your disability may limit you in some ways; however, there are ways to overcome these challenges, and the choice to never give up, no matter what, always remains yours to make.”
