Nine-year-old Janelle Francis from Stellenbosch is a girl of many talents. She holds four gymnast medals, which she proudly shares with her autistic twin brother, Jarelle.
She was introduced to the sport through the Imbali Western Cape outreach programmes and has never looked back.
"I was a top scorer in gymnastics in the very first competition I entered. Gymnastics and Netball are my favourite sports. I’ve received four gold and two silver medals, and I think that all children should participate in sport. I was inspired by Kyle Mowers, my cousin. He is only 13 years old, but he impressed me the most. He also got Gold medals, and he used to teach me. But unfortunately, he has dropped out of the sport because he cannot afford it."
Luckily, the twins have the financial back up of the Imbali and two dedicated doctors, who have voluntarily supported them at early ages, and the duo can continue to flourish, with Janelle determined to become a teacher one day.
"We are grateful for support in the creche and in the Aitsa After-Care activities," said Janelle.
Talking about how it is growing up with a differently-abled sibling, she said: "We love to dance together. We are making Tik-Tok videos, jumping on the trampoline, and doing our art together.”
Her grateful mom, Rozanda Francis, described Janelle as her brother’s spokesperson from a tender age, and she continues to amaze her with the hard work and the achievements she always brings home.
"It’s has not been easy raising the two of them with their differences, as Jarelle is autistic. With Jarelle especially, I have to rely on Janelle being his spokesperson from a very early age. She was the one at primary school who was able to handle him and keep him calm.
"I’m very excited and blessed having a daughter like Janelle. And we didn’t expect her gymnastics to be this good, and it has moved so quickly."
The twins attend visual literacy art in art workshops together on Saturdays. Jarelle currently attends Dorothea School for children with special needs, and "the two doctors still support his needs."
Jeanne Bestbier Bloch from Imbali explained: "Our aim is to reach all children living in poor, malnourished and deprived conditions and by working together in the communities, we share, we strive to address the needs of the children, as well their underemployed parents."
"I think that children who have a challenged sibling must just love them and always play with them," Janelle concluded.