Katlehong school receives R207 000 donation for wheelchairs and assistive devices
A donation from an international mining company has enabled a Katlehong school for learners with physical disabilities to purchase customised wheelchairs, laptops and other assistive equipment.
Ezibeleni School for Physically Disabled Children in Katlehong received much-needed support from Magotteaux, an international industrial and mining company that supplies grinding media, wear parts and process optimisation solutions for the mining, cement and power industries.
The school marked the donation with an official handover ceremony on May 26.
The school received a cheque of R207 000, a donation that has already made a big difference.
During the handover ceremony, the school explained that the money had already been used to buy assistive equipment for learners.
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The event also included the official handover of wheelchairs to learners who had been identified as needing them.
The school worked closely with Magotteaux representatives to identify learners who needed support the most. Parents of the learners who received wheelchairs were also present to witness the handover.
School principal Mendy Welcome said the ceremony was important because it showed the strong relationship between the school, parents and its donors.
The school choir performed several songs, adding a joyful atmosphere to the event.
Dignitaries also posed for photographs as they presented the school with the R207 000 cheque board. In return, the school gave the Magotteaux team gifts, including a painting made by learners from the school.
Welcome said the gifts showed that although the learners face challenges, they are still talented and capable.
After the ceremony, Welcome confirmed that the full R207 000 donation had been used to buy specially customised wheelchairs for learners.
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He said the school also bought customised laptops to help learners with their studies and improve their understanding of technology.
“We also bought assistive devices, including hearing aids, which will help some learners hear better.
“This money has been directed straight towards improving the quality of education for our learners,” said Welcome.
“The school promotes inclusivity by employing 21 staff members with disabilities, including interns. This also serves as an inspiration to learners, showing them that they, too, can contribute meaningfully to society,” said Welcome.
Welcome said the crime had been a serious concern at the school in the past. However, the situation has improved, with no break-ins reported in the past six months.
“We have developed a strategy that seems to be working so far. We will continue to strengthen our security because we cannot live in fear,” said Welcome.
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“We also urge the community to respect this school. This institution plays an important role in the community and in the lives of the people we serve.”
Welcome also called on the community and businesses to support the school. He said more help was needed to create an inclusive learning environment for learners with physical disabilities.
“We have set ourselves a fundraising target for the year. We are halfway through the year and not close to reaching it yet, but we are happy with what we have achieved so far,” said Welcome.
