Durban — It was cheer and joy all around at the Mason Lincoln Special School on Friday as sector education and training authorities (Setas) joined forces to ensure that the pupils received quality education.
This was a focus on inclusive skills development, with contributions valued at over R6 million handed over or pledged to the school.
The school, based in Umlazi’s V section, provides special needs education for more than 400 pupils living with physical and intellectual disabilities, from grades R to 12.
The Setas collaborating to make this Mandela Day initiative possible were:
The Finance and Accounting Services Seta (Fasset) donated five mobile rooms, two for classrooms, another as a paraplegic bathroom, one as a staffroom and one that will be used as an office. The Seta will also provide skills programmes and has made a contribution towards wheelchairs.
The Health and Welfare Seta (HWSeta) pledged 35 interns for a 12-month period in several areas of need. The school, which is short-staffed, would identify specific areas where the interns can assist.
The FoodBev Manufacturing Seta donated kitchen equipment, including a top-of-the-range mixer.
The Insurance Seta (INSeta) donated two braillers, a smartboard, 20 single beds and mattresses, 3 steel cabinets, 25 single desks, 50 chairs and 10 tables and has also assisted with materials for painting the school.
The Services Seta made a financial contribution which the school will put towards other specific needs.
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) donated two smartboards, 10 desktop computers (including software) and the materials required to renovate the school’s Grade R classroom.
The school was identified by Fasset, which then invited sister Setas to join the project.
Employees and representatives from each of the six Setas also engaged in various 67-minute activities in honour of Mandela Day, including brightening up the school grounds with paint.
Principal Happiness Morolong was thrilled with the initiative.
“We are so excited. We really appreciate it. We want to extend our deepest and sincerest gratitude for this act of generosity by all the Setas.
“It will go a long way to ensure that quality education is delivered to pupils, irrespective of their disabilities” she said.
Morolong said she was confident that the donations would continue to maintain the school’s commendable 100% matric pass rate.
KZN Department of Education’s district director for Umlazi, Busi Mahlambi confirmed that the school would be moving to another site in Umlazi, and that building would commence in January 2025, and the pupils were expected to occupy the premises in 2026.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, was also present. She denounced the abuse of women and children, and emphasised the need for them to be protected at all times.
Sunday Tribune