At just five years old, Caleb Alexander from Oudtshoorn has already walked a difficult road — from surgeries to correct club feet to recovering from facial burns as a toddler. Now, as he prepares to start Grade 1, his family faces a new challenge: helping Caleb overcome hearing loss that quietly shaped his early years in ways they didn’t fully understand until recently.
Despite everything, Caleb’s world is filled with colour and imagination. Known for his cheeky grin and endless creativity, he spends his days sketching vivid pictures, building elaborate LEGO creations, and acting out stories as a brave firefighter. But behind the laughter lies a deeper need: the ability to hear and connect with the world around him.
The Boy Who Sees the World in Colour
Even without many words, Caleb’s vibrant personality shines. He’s the artist of the family, drawn to colouring books and gifted with a unique sense of colour and creativity.
“He’s our little artist,” says Nina-Rose Clarke, Caleb’s aunt and the creator of his BackaBuddy campaign. “He colours beautifully, builds for hours, and has a way of expressing joy that goes beyond words.”
Pictured above: Caleb Alexander (5)
When the family noticed delays in Caleb’s speech and social development, they arranged hearing tests for all three siblings due to a known family history. The results confirmed their fears: Caleb had been living with hearing loss since birth.
“Having the actual confirmation was difficult,” Nina-Rose says. “But we’re a family that believes in action, not despair.”
With limited audiology services in Oudtshoorn, even travelling to specialists has become a financial strain. And at such a pivotal age — where language blossoms, friendships form, and learning begins — time is of the essence.
A Family Bound by Love and Belief
Caleb, the middle of three brothers, is often described as the glue that holds the family together. He’s cheeky and full of mischief — always pulling funny faces or pretending to be a dog just to make someone laugh. He’s also remarkably independent, happily making his own bed, tidying up after himself, and always ready to help with the younger children in the family.
“His hearing loss doesn’t define him,” Nina-Rose says. “His kindness does.”
Pictured above: Caleb Alexander with his father Dean Alexander
In their close-knit, often noisy home, the family has learned to adapt. They take Caleb on quiet walks during gatherings to give him a break from overwhelming sounds and have developed new ways of communicating — using gestures, making eye contact, and repeating instructions patiently.
Sharing a birthday with Caleb, Nina-Rose has a special bond with him. She launched the campaign out of love and hope — hope that, with hearing aids, speech therapy, and the right support, Caleb will step into the classroom with confidence and into the future he deserves.
“These hearing aids will not just help him hear — they’ll help him learn, connect, and grow into the incredible person he already is.”
Hearing the World, One Gift at a Time
The family’s goal is to raise R30,000 to cover quality hearing aids, ongoing speech therapy, and regular trips to audiologists outside their hometown. In just 11 days, more than 36 donors have already contributed over R17,000 — a heartening reminder that even small actions can create real change.
“We are immensely thankful to each person who has donated, whether anonymously or by name,” says Nina-Rose. “And to those who took the time to share his story — you’ve reminded us that kindness still exists, even from strangers. That’s a powerful lesson for Caleb and his brothers: that the world is full of people who care.”
With every donation, the family feels a little more hopeful. “Whether it’s R10 or a social media share, it matters. It reminds us that Caleb’s story, though filled with challenges, can also be one of light.”
Pictured above: Caleb Alexander with his parents Dean and Denoliza Alexander