5km run held to raise awareness for the deaf
The run and walk were followed by entertainment like drama, music and poetry performances.
Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf (ESD) in Katlehong hosted a Deaf Awareness Campaign at the school on September 22.
The campaign started at 8.30am with a 5km run and walk along Sontonga Road ending at the school.
The run and walk were followed by entertainment like drama, music and poetry performances.
Nonhlanhla Nyovane, organiser and teacher at the school, said the purpose of the campaign was to make people aware of the daily challenges of people living with the disability.
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“At the same time we want to educate people about the culture and language of deaf people so it will be easy for people to communicate with them,” said Nyovane.
“We also want to use the opportunity to raise funds for the school as we have very limited resources. We are the only school in Kathorus that accommodates deaf learners and that serves as a boarding school. We accommodate learners from all over Ekurhuleni and from as far as Mpumalanga.
“It is not easy to close the school or turn away learners who want to attend our boarding school just because we don’t have enough resources. If we close the school where will they go as we are the only school that offers such services.
“We would like to invite any possible sponsor so we will be able to upgrade our hostel as well as sports facilities,” said Nyovane.
As part of their own fund raising efforts, ESD sold T-shirts for R100 each on the day, which were worn by people who took part in the run and walk.
Nyovane thanked Katlehong Athletics Club (KAC) and Gallopers Athletics Club for helping in preparation for the event.
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“They have been there during our meetings and had fruitful suggestions. They even offered marshals who made it easy for the runners to finish the race.
“Absa and Gauteng Department of Education were also present. They bought a lot of T-shirts to show their support. Central Gauteng Athletics gave us medals to award our runners,” said Nyovane.
Medals were awarded to the first 50 athletes who completed the race.
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