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It All Started Under a Tree

  • The OB
  • Sep 4, 2024
  • 2 min read

Greytown Girl’s message goes further than the triumph of a Woman over her challenges. The film also subtly highlights the plight of Children with Disabilities, many of whom don’t have access to their right to an education.

The production company of Biopic Greytown Girl has strategically dedicated much of it’s resources to bring focus upon this societal challenge. In a cooperative relationship with the Department of Education and the Open Air School for Disability  we attempt to give a voice to the voiceless. Through the medium of film and media we highlight the needs of most marginalized persons in Africa, which is the child with a Disability. ECM has also trained young South African filmmakers living with Disabilities in order that they are empowered to tell their own stories.


In 1921 the first classes of the Open Air school were held under the wide reaching and protective branches of a tree. The thinking was that a child with an illness would recuperate faster being exposed to the open air. Today The Open Air School plays a vital role in educating physically challenged learners from primary to high school, empowering them to become independent, well-adjusted people. Our school is the platform on which our children shine, as we prepare them to become global citizens who can change the world.

From mild to severe, the school enrolls learners with all levels of disabilities. These include cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairments, injury-induced impairments, and hand/eye coordination problems, to name a few. For those unable to commute during the school term, their hostel comfortably accommodates learners who live in outlying rural areas.


We were so proud to offer the children of the Open Air School an opportunity to participate in the making of the film Greytown Girl. You can see them joyfully playing as extras in the safety of the schools facilities.

The school is government funded and because Children with Disabilities most times require more resources than our schools catering for able bodied learners, further funding is necessary.


The dedicated Principal of Open Air School, Ms. Sayanna calls for assistance. If you wish to contact the school to assist by any means, please contact them via email at fundraising@openairschool.co.za or call on 031 205 1277.




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