Tyrone's light keeps shining
Each of us faces challenges daily and although they differ from person to person, some people’s burdens are heavier than others’. Every Jan Kriel learner lives with specific barriers to learning, challenges that cannot be overcome in a mainstream school. At Jan Kriel there is a group of children who carry a double burden: they live with a (learning) disability as well as the lack of a home that can provide for them financially. We call them our “Abba children,” because they need to be carried (abba) more than others. Tyrone Simpson is such a child.
From a young age, Tyrone has struggled academically. Reading and writing simply wouldn’t “work” for him. He was mocked, bullied and even assaulted at his previous primary school. As if that weren’t hardship enough, his parents struggle financially and the family have often found themselves on the street. In 2023, after a long and difficult road, Tyrone was diagnosed with several learning disabilities with the help of a psychologist at Tygerberg Hospital. At last, new hope arrived: in 2024 he was accepted at Jan Kriel School, where he was given the opportunity to develop his potential in an environment that understands his needs.
“Jan Kriel School is a special school. I’ve known about this school for many years, but now my own child is here. Jan Kriel is without a doubt the best school for a child with learning challenges. I am so grateful that Tyrone can be here. There is still a long road ahead for him, but at last we can see there is light at the end of the tunnel.” – Laurika, Tyrone’s mother.
At Jan Kriel, Tyrone receives high-level specialist support, and within a few months he showed good academic progress. All his exam papers are transcribed, and he can complete Mathematics with the help of advanced computer programs. He has made new friends and plays cricket for the school. Tyrone’s sporting talent has been noticed and in 2024 and 2025 he earned WP colours (LSEN) for cricket. He toured with the WP team to Mpumalanga, the very first time in his life that he has travelled outside Cape Town!
“From the beginning, Tyrone showed that he would not let his circumstances determine his future. He chose to rise above his challenges and write his own success story. What makes Tyrone special is not only his achievements, but also the person he is. He is an incredibly grateful young man who appreciates every bit of help, support and guidance. His good manners and appreciation for what the school means to him speak volumes about his character.” - Teacher Anika Keet.
Jan Kriel is proud of Tyrone. He is proof that challenging circumstances does not mean the end of a dream, but can often be the beginning of a special story. With the right support, understanding and opportunities, a child’s world can change, and challenges can be turned into hope, growth and new possibilities.
Tyrone reminds us that true success is not determined by where you start or how much you have, but by how you use the opportunities and support you receive to rise above your circumstances.
At Jan Kriel School there are 560 children who face their own challenges every day and often come to know the harsh side of life. Here a safe, supportive environment is created where every child has the opportunity to overcome obstacles, discover their potential and believe in themselves. It is precisely these stories of hope, growth and perseverance that we celebrate each year with our Tree of Lights (Liggieboom) event.
Every little light on our tree tells the story of a child who got a chance. A chance to learn, to grow and to dream. And YOU can help them to shine! Each of the 10 000 lights are sponsored by a friend of Jan Kriel, someone who believes that every child deserves a chance.
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