ABOUT US
Who We Are
Opkyk Pathways Therapy and Educational Centre is a community-based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and young adults with diverse abilities. We provide adapted education, therapeutic support, and practical life-skills development within a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
Our programmes are designed to meet learners at their individual level of ability, recognising that each learner’s journey, strengths, and challenges are unique.
Our Mission
Opkyk Pathways Therapy and Educational Centre supports children and young adults with diverse abilities through adapted education, therapy, and practical life skills, fostering independence, participation, and dignity within a supportive community.
Individualised support and trusting relationships help learners feel safe, valued, and supported.
Our Vision
We envision a community in which children and young adults with diverse abilities are valued, included, and supported to reach their full potential, with opportunities to participate meaningfully in society and live with purpose and dignity.
Who We Serve
Opkyk Pathways supports children and young adults with a wide range of diverse abilities, including physical, intellectual, developmental, and communication challenges.
Learners range from those who require high levels of physical, sensory, and communication support to those who are developing functional, vocational, and life skills in preparation for greater independence and community participation.
Each learner is supported through an individualised approach that recognises their unique strengths, needs, and pace of development, ensuring that programmes remain responsive, respectful, and meaningful.
Guided sensory play helps learners build coordination, focus, and confidence through hands-on learning.
Our Impact
Through individualised education, therapeutic support, and skills development, Opkyk Pathways creates meaningful outcomes for children and young adults with diverse abilities. Learners are supported to develop functional, communication, social, and life skills that enhance independence, confidence, and participation in daily activities.
Our programmes also support families by providing consistent, specialised care within the community, reducing the need for long-distance travel and ensuring continuity of support as learners grow and transition into adulthood.
Here, we recognise that academic development goes hand in hand with a happy learner who feels safe, supported, and valued, regardless of academic performance.
Our Values
At Opkyk Pathways, our work is guided by the following core values:
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Dignity and Respect
We recognise the inherent worth of every learner and strive to create an environment where they feel valued, safe, and respected.
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Individualised Support
We believe that every learner’s journey is unique. Our programmes are adapted to meet learners at their own level of ability, strengths, and needs.
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Inclusion and Participation
We promote meaningful participation and inclusion, encouraging learners to engage with their peers, families, and the wider community.
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Collaboration and Care
We work collaboratively with families, educators, and therapists to provide holistic support rooted in compassion and professionalism.
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Growth and Potential
We focus on developing each learner’s abilities and potential, celebrating progress and supporting lifelong learning.
Our Story
Opkyk Pathways began in June 2002 on a farm outside Brits in the North West, when founder and managing director Drika Kruger responded to a call from a parent seeking individualised educational support for her child, who was unable to cope in a mainstream school environment due to medical needs. What started as support for one child quickly grew as more families approached the centre in search of compassionate, specialised care.
In its early years, Opkyk Pathways also introduced equine-assisted therapy, beginning with one child and one horse. As the centre expanded, it supported children with a range of diverse needs, many of whom were later able to transition back into mainstream education.
In 2005, Pathways Brits was established in response to the growing need for a high-quality stimulation centre for children with severe disabilities in the area. This reduced the burden on families who previously travelled long distances for specialised services. The centre relocated to its current premises near Brits in 2006, allowing it to serve a wider community, including Hartbeespoort and surrounding areas.
Today, Opkyk Pathways is supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of educators, facilitators, and therapists—including occupational and speech and language therapists who visit the centre on a needs-based basis. The team works collaboratively to provide intensive, individualised support to each learner. Therapeutic approaches such as art, music, and equine-assisted therapy are integrated into weekly programmes, ensuring that learners are supported holistically and with dignity.