Thoughtful perspective outlook
AUCKLAND PARK – Two UJ teaching students work at a special school doing community service say this has changed their perspective and attitude toward disabled people.
In the month of April students, Neo Ramalekana and Elvis Makondo worked with disabled children for the first time in their lives. Both the young men are enrolled in a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course and are aspiring teachers. This was a life-changing time for these universities of Johannesburg students.
They were required to help society for 46 hours as part of the PGCE programme at UJ University. Initially, they thought their time would be spent cleaning the yard, doing household chores and kitchen duties, but it turned out to be a close interactive encounter with blind children and young burns survivors who attend the Johannesburg school for the blind, low vision and multiple disability children (Beka). This was an unexpected kick-start to their future teaching careers.
Upon their arrival, Ramalekana and Makondo were welcomed by a group of energetic, enthusiastic children. Firstly, the students were asked to walk the pupils to Auckland Avenue where the children have their assembly every day before class begins.
Makondo explained, “Each day at Beka was different and presented many discoveries and opportunities to learn. Among new ideas that we encountered while working with the children, we also gained significant human values such as being more understanding, considerate, loving and compassionate toward other people, regardless of their background, race, physical appearance or abilities. As aspiring teachers, they felt this experience was a stepping stone in the development of inclusive education as the foundation of social justice.”
Ramalekana said, “Improving personal development is something that I devote myself to, whenever I get the chance. Coming to such a special place and doing this community service has changed my perspective and attitude towards disabled people.
“I believe it has also helped improve personal values such as respect, discipline and being able to commit. I believe this will benefit me as a teacher and transform me into a better, responsible, South-African.”
Makondo added, “I was skeptical about doing my service learning at the school because I thought I wasn’t going to be able to cope with blind kids. I was not used to the blind world, but as time went on, I gained confidence.”
He said they were told that ‘thinking it is impossible to cope with the kids is nonsense’. To their surprise, both students managed to adapt and ended up really enjoying it. They appreciated the encouragement of the school founder, Bronwen Jones, to work at the school.
Ramalekana said the range of disabilities he encountered at Beka shocked him. “The physical appearances of some of the pupils could disturb too-sensitive people.
“One pupil does not have hands, can hardly see and it is hard for unobservant or less-empathetic people to understand her communication. But she can hear and follow instructions.”
A lot changed from the day the two students arrived at the school, to their day of departure. They came with fear, doubt, and ignorance but walked away with experience, knowledge and a new family at the end of their service-learning programme.
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