For 145 years, NID has been a place of hope, care, and new opportunities for the Deaf and persons with hearing loss. Behind these 145 years lie thousands of life stories – stories of courage, perseverance, and lives transformed through services to the Deaf and the compassion of others.

One of these stories is that of Annemarie Geldenhuys (63).

Annemarie was born on 23 January 1963 in Albertinia and grew up on a farm. She is hard of hearing and initially attended a mainstream school before joining De la Bat School on the NID campus in 1976. She remembers her school years with great affection, especially English and Afrikaans as her favourite subjects, and her English teacher, Mrs Reed’s signature greeting, “Hello, my darling.”

In 1983, Annemarie found her home at Aftercare for the Deaf, now known as NID Adult Care (Lewensruimte). There she worked in the needlework therapeutic workshop and built many meaningful friendships. She still smiles as she recalls travelling around the campus in her wheelchair, selling homemade sandwiches prepared by NID Care.

Since 1993, Annemarie has used a wheelchair as a result of hereditary cerebellar ataxia. For the past three years, she has been living at NID Elderly Care (Shalom), where her brother, Danie (75), who lives with the same condition, has also found a home.

When Annemarie speaks about Shalom, she becomes emotional. “I cannot complain. The Lord has been very good to me,” she says with tears in her eyes. To her, Shalom represents peace, safety, and a place where she feels loved and cared for. She believes there is no place like Shalom outside of NID and is sincerely grateful to every person who helps make it possible.

It is people like you who make these stories possible.

Through your support, NID can continue to provide a safe home, professional care, and hope to the Deaf and persons with hearing loss. Your contributions enable us not only to make a difference today but also to continue transforming lives – like Annemarie’s – for years to come.

As we celebrate 145 years of service this year, we invite you to become part of this legacy of care by making a special contribution in support of the Deaf and persons with hearing loss at NID. Together, we can ensure that people like Annemarie continue to receive the love, dignity, and support they deserve.

Thank you for making a difference with us – one story at a time.

Online donation link: https://www.givengain.com/donate/cc/5724#amount

Banking details:
Account name: NID Ontwikkeling / Bank: Absa Bank / Account number: 911 845 2209 / Branch code: 503 107