Unity College, on August 1, celebrated 35 years of dedicated service in special needs education, changing lives, empowering learners, and building a community where every child is seen, heard, and valued.

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Founded in 1990, Unity College began its journey with just 27 pupils, four teachers, and a visionary leader. Operating out of five rented classrooms at Temple Shalom on Louis Botha Avenue, the school’s early days were modest. Pupils would eat lunch in a nearby park, and resources were limited, but what the school lacked in infrastructure, it made up for with heart, passion, and a firm belief in the potential of every child.

It wasn’t long before Unity College caught the attention of the Department of Education, which was so impressed by the school’s innovative curriculum that it requested a copy for review. As the student body grew, the school moved to Temple Emanuel on Oxford Road, and later to Cedar Road in Witkoppen, before finding its forever home in 2015 at its current premises on Runnymead Avenue, Chartwell.

Reflecting on the journey so far, and sharing her vision for the future, principal Janine Singh said: “As we celebrate our rich history and the remarkable journey of the past 35 years, Unity College looks to the future with hope, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. In the next 35 years, we envision a world where every child with special needs is embraced, empowered, and given the tools to thrive within their communities, to close the gap between school and the working world.”

The school has set its sights on continuing to expand its inclusive education model, pioneering innovative teaching methods, and broadening vocational skills and training. More than just growth in numbers; the aim is to grow in impact, building stronger partnerships with families, professionals, and the broader community.

“Unity College dreams of a future where ability is celebrated over limitation, and where every pupil is seen, heard, and valued,” Singh added. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to shaping brighter futures, one pupil at a time. Here’s to the next 35 years of unity, growth, and transformation.”

For more information visit Unity-college.org.za

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