Gauteng Legislature Education Portfolio Committee donates books to Ezibeleni School for Physically Disabled Children

Ezibeleni School for Physically Disabled Children received 94 books from the Gauteng Legislature Education Portfolio Committee on September 16 as part of the committee’s Literacy Month programme, with additional books expected once the outstanding order is finalised.

The donation aims to strengthen the school’s library and provide learners with reading material covering a range of topics, including disability, identity, personal development and inclusion.

The event was attended by members of the school’s governing body, district officials, educators, learners and representatives of the Gauteng Legislature Education Portfolio Committee.

Promoting inclusion through literature

Moipone Khero Mhlongo, chairperson of the Gauteng Legislature Education Portfolio Committee, said the books were selected to expose learners to different experiences and encourage them to embrace their identities and differences.

“Some of the books that we have are books that will speak to you about how being a child who is differently abled is not a problem and how you must embrace it,” Mhlongo said.

She said the collection also includes books about identity, growing up and the changes children experience as they come of age.

Mhlongo added that some of the books encourage learners to speak up for others and promote acceptance among people from different backgrounds.

The collection also includes books that cater to different curricula.

“We have brought 94 books today, and other books are going to be sent to you as soon as the order is finalised,” she said.

Marking Literacy Month

The school’s principal, Mendy Welcome, said the donation forms part of the Gauteng Legislature’s programme to mark Literacy Month in September.

He said the initiative comes at a time when South Africa is facing challenges around literacy and reading.

Welcome thanked the Gauteng Legislature Education Portfolio Committee for supporting the school and its learners.

“These books are going to tell stories to these children; these books are going to tell them that their disability is not a limitation,” he said.

He said reading with understanding was important to the learners’ education and future.

The principal also welcomed the committee back to Ezibeleni, saying its continued involvement meant it was no longer simply visiting the school.

Bullying awareness message

The event also included a talk by Metro Kids, which addressed learners about bullying and why it is wrong.

The learners were encouraged to treat others with respect and not allow differences, including disability, to become a reason for exclusion or bullying.

The message complemented the Education Portfolio Committee’s focus on inclusive reading material and creating an environment where learners can embrace who they are.