A collaborative effort between Anson Street School, Orange Daybreak Rotary Club and one very grateful family is making a significant difference to the school life of kindergarten student Merridah Yanzan.

Aki and Christabel Yanzan moved to Australia from Papua New Guinea with their four children in 2023. Their daughter Merridah has physical disabilities and complex health needs, requiring specialised equipment and support to attend school.

When Anson Street School approached Orange Daybreak Rotary Club seeking assistance to purchase specialised adjustments for Merridah’s wheelchair, the club responded immediately with generous financial support. Rather than the family needing to purchase a new specialised chair, costing around $25,000, the support has enabled specialised wheelchair accessories to be purchased and fitted to existing equipment to better meet Merridah’s individual needs.

“We are very grateful for all the support Merridah has received," said Merridah’s mum, Christabel. "Knowing that she is safe, comfortable and well supported at school gives us peace of mind. Her wellbeing is so important to us. Thank you to everyone from our family.”

Anson Street School Principal Jodie Pritchard welcomed the support from Orange Daybreak Rotary.

“This is a wonderful example of what strong school-community partnerships can achieve," Ms Pritchard said. "For Merridah, the right equipment is about much more than the equipment itself - it gives her greater access to learning, her peers and everyday school life. We are incredibly appreciative of Orange Daybreak Rotary for responding so generously when we reached out for support.”

Primary Stage Leader Kari Priest has helped coordinate the response alongside class staff and the school’s allied health team. Speech Pathologist Tenielle Thwaites, Occupational Therapist Michelle Maunder, and physiotherapists Emily Board and Eden Bradford have all contributed their specialist knowledge and worked closely with Merridah, her family and school staff.

Mrs Priest said the outcome had been a genuine team effort.

“There have been a number of barriers to Merridah being able to participate fully and comfortably at school, so everyone has worked together to find practical solutions," she said. "Her family, classroom staff and our school therapists have each brought their knowledge and expertise. It has really been about asking, ‘What does Merridah need to be comfortable, well supported and included?’ and then working together to make that happen.”

Former Orange Daybreak Rotary Club President, Neal Ford, who received the request at the time, said supporting the family was an easy decision for the club.

“When the school contacted us and explained Merridah’s circumstances and what this equipment could mean for her and her family, we wanted to help. Rotary is about supporting our community where we can make a meaningful difference, and this was an opportunity to do exactly that," he explained.

For Merridah and her family, that collective effort is already having a positive impact. Her family and staff will continue working together to meet her needs and support her in attending school for longer periods, giving Merridah more opportunities to learn, connect, and be part of school life.