KLOOF Junior Primary School launched the Academic Support Unit (ASU) building that is aimed at children who need extra help to keep up with mainstream learning. Speaking at the launch, school principal Karen Leppan said the building is situated in what used to be the school’s astro field which was a place for the learners to play.

“We then started with the astro field and from there, things started to work. At the beginning of 2019 we kicked off the building of our first phase. All too soon we had the first phase complete. The builder had an idea to build a certain section all at once. Some of the classes had to be moved around to allow the process of the building. The process continued as we moved inside the building,” she said.

Also read: Local schools celebrate sport victories

Keeping in mind that it is important for children to be able to move around in the classroom, Leppan said the classrooms are structured to allow their learners to play while learning.
“It is to improve their focus, to make the necessary progress. All the activities are in addition to teaching and learning,” she said.

Ilse Suaremen, head of the school’s ASU said: “This building would not have been possible if we did not have a vision as a school of what we wanted. Today is about recognising and celebrating our vision. It would not have been possible if it was not for the vision of past and present staff members who see the need in our community for a facility that can cater for children who have barriers to learning. However there is no point in having a vision if you cannot act on it, and for that we thank the Albert Wessels Trust for giving us the power to bring the vision to life,” she said.

Also read: IN PICS: Glitz and Glam at Kloof High

Speaking on behalf of the Albert Wessels Trust who sponsored the ASU building, Elizanne Wessels said the Trust was built on the grounds of education as the founder was self taught and established a school.
“He believed in education and assisting other learners in having opportunities which is why he established this trust. So Kloof enjoys a well deserved reputation for his commitment to education for children with special needs, and the trust is very proud to have assisted the school during this,” she said.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.