Egoli Blind, a member organisation of Blind SA, paid their annual visit to the Sibonile School for the Blind to hand prizes over to the award winners. On the morning of November 13, Egoli Blind were welcomed to the school by the principal, Lindiwe Mhlungu, staff and the sounds of children playing.
The delegation consisted of Christo de Klerk (chairman), Martie de Klerk, Stafie Pelser, Petro Pelser, Cathy Donaldson (president of Blind SA), Sanette Jordaan from head office and Johannes Sefularo.
The delegation was treated to hymn singing, a recitation of the Lord’s prayer and singing of the national anthem.
Egoli Blind presented 11 Grade Seven learners with a talking calculator, enabling them to use it for their maths in high school.
The main prize winners, who were awarded for their excellent performances and who received talking clocks were:
n Dux learner Grade Six: Ndlovu Jonas.
n Dux learner Grade Seven: Yika Sbongiseni (absent).
n Sports girl: Tlhagane Mantsho.
n Sports boy: Dlamini Sfund.
Sibonile, situated in Kliprivier, between Alberton and Meyerton, aims to create opportunities for visually impaired children, by providing focused and quality education. The staff comprises of 24 teachers who educate 189 learners, including totally blind, partially sighted and deaf-blind learners. They also concentrate on a comprehensive programme of independence training and orientation and mobility skills, preparing the children for high school and integration into the community.
Extramural activities include sports, music and choir singing. The choir, at invitation, performs at a variety of venues during the year and were invited to perform at a function of the director general of Basic Education in Gauteng.
The children are mainly from poor backgrounds, and are accommodated in two hostels, with 45 caregivers attending to their basic needs. The school receives support from service clubs and business.
The 11 Grade Seven learners will, at the end of the year, be transferred to the Filadelphia Secondary School, a special school situated in the northern region of Gauteng.
