Itumeleng LSEN School scooped the School of the Year award for 2019.
This accolade was given to them by the Department of Education Gauteng West District during an awards ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, 22 November.
Speaking proudly of their achievement, Rebecca Monnakgotla, principal of the school said the recognition shows the school’s continuous commitment to helping learners with special needs.
“This stamp of approval shows that we are going beyond the call of duty to give these learners what they need,” Rebecca added.
She said people need to understand that those with a disability are special like anyone else.
“These learners are not seen as fully functioning human beings. They actually go through a lot as their disability is used against them and they are mocked. Many people have no regard for people with disabilities and do not treat them with respect.”
Rebecca added that people living with a disability have to be accepted in society. She referred to section 10 of the Bill of Rights, quoting that, “Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected”.
She went on to say that what is even more unfair is that often, people with a disability are left at charity homes and forgotten, making them feel less human.
“As the school, we make sure that we empower these learners in every way possible, be it in the classroom or out on the [sports] field. We want to show the world that a disability is not a limitation, and that disabled people can achieve anything,” Rebecca said.
