Con Amore School hosts expo empowering learners with disabilities
Con Amore School’s 2025 School Leavers’ Expo showcased learners’ talents, highlighted opportunities for people with disabilities, and offered guidance to parents on life after school. Entrepreneurs and companies demonstrated how learners can succeed in business and employment.
Con Amore School recently opened its doors to the community for the 2025 School Leavers’ Expo.
Parents, learners, companies and people with special needs shared experiences and learnt about opportunities available to learners with disabilities.
The expo aimed to empower learners with a range of disabilities (low to high support needs) and support parents preparing for their children’s transition from school to the next stage of life.
Photo by: Masego Mashilo
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Beverly Makuwa, the Con Amore School occupational therapist and exit committee secretary, explained the purpose of the event.
“The expo aimed to raise awareness in the community about the strengths and capabilities of people living with disabilities.
“We wanted learners and parents to leave feeling more equipped and reassured about their preparedness for life after school,” Makuwa said.
Learner Tumiso Mkoko welcomed guests, shared his experiences and highlighted the school’s supportive and welcoming nature.
Learners also showcased their talents.
Artist Mpendulo Tshuma displayed his paintings and drawings, demonstrating that people with special needs can achieve remarkable creative accomplishments.
“The meaning behind my art is to show that days aren’t the same. Some are happy, others are difficult, but it’s important to have faith and hope for better days,” Tshuma said.
He added that attending Con Amore helped him develop his artistic skills despite challenges he faced at school.
Several companies participated in the expo, including the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator.
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It provided information about employment for people with special needs and highlighted how some could contribute to the diamond industry depending on their abilities.
Johannes Molaolwa, an inspector at the transformation office, explained, “We are here to raise awareness within the jewellery manufacturing, diamond polishing and related industries. Some people with special needs do fit in our sector. Schools like Intsika assist children with special needs to learn relevant skills.”
The expo also featured entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Irfan Genc, a 22-year-old with autism, said a food and beverage internship sparked his interest in catering. He has since launched his business, Irfan’s Delights, and sold cookies at the event, showing others with autism that they, too, can run successful businesses.Parents appreciated the expo.
Fikile Zwane, mother of a daughter with a disability, said, “It is not easy to have a child with special needs.
“This expo is useful. The school supports our children and helps parents understand their skills and potential for the future.”
The event was part of the school’s efforts to support learners and parents, offering practical guidance and showcasing the talents and abilities of learners with disabilities.
