Laerskool Birchleigh and Con Amore learners build friendships

Laerskool Birchleigh and Con Amore School joined forces on July 24 for an inclusive programme aimed at creating meaningful connections between learners of different abilities.

The initiative saw Laerskool Birchleigh prefects visit Con Amore, with learners from both schools taking part in interactive activities designed to promote friendship, understanding and teamwork.

According to organiser and Con Amore School speech therapist Sima Parsot, the idea behind the programme was to create an opportunity for learners to interact in a fun and relaxed environment while recognising the similarities they share.

ALSO READ: Laerskool Impala unveils new multifunctional sports field for learners

“We wanted the learners to experience one another beyond their differences and to realise that, although we may have different abilities, we all have so much in common.

“We also wanted to create an opportunity for the learners from Laerskool Birchleigh to experience inclusion in a practical and meaningful way,” said Parsot.

The programme focused on promoting inclusion, empathy, acceptance and understanding. Instead of competing against one another, learners participated together in activities including wheelchair races, bum-shuffling races, three-legged races, egg-and-spoon races and team-building exercises.

Parsot said one of the highlights of the day was seeing the kindness and compassion shown by the Birchleigh learners.

“During some of the competitive races, the Birchleigh learners showed such compassion that they actually slowed down or waited so that a learner from Con Amore could experience the excitement of winning.They also naturally assisted our learners when they needed help, without making them feel different or excluded,” she said.

ALSO READ: Matric learners treated to lunch ahead of exam preparations

She added that these moments showed the true meaning of inclusion.

“Inclusion is not simply about allowing everyone to participate — it is about seeing one another, supporting one another and celebrating each other’s successes,” Parsot said.

The schools said that children often learn best through experience, and opportunities to play, work and interact together help break down misconceptions and stereotypes.

“Children with different abilities learn that they have the same need for friendship, belonging, fun and acceptance as everyone else,” the schools said.

Parsot said Con Amore hopes to continue the initiative and build partnerships with more mainstream schools in the future.

“We would like to create regular opportunities where learners of different abilities can meet, interact, learn from one another and form friendships.

ALSO READ: SAPS warns parents over harmful ‘Hangman’ online game targeting learners

“We hope that this will become an ongoing initiative that encourages a more inclusive and understanding community,” she said.

Laerskool Birchleigh also used the initiative as part of its Mandela Day outreach programme, allowing prefects to learn about leadership, compassion and serving others.

Marelize van Tonder, Laerskool Birchleigh departmental head for the Intersen Phase (grades four to seven) and prefect coordinator, said learners were encouraged to focus on building friendships rather than seeing disabilities.

“Our learners responded with genuine enthusiasm, warmth and kindness. They quickly engaged in conversations and activities, and it was wonderful to see how naturally they interacted with the learners from Con Amore,” she said.

Van Tonder said the experience reminded learners that inclusion is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and accepted.

ALSO READ: Local learners evacuated after smoke scare during exam session

“Inclusion is not simply about sharing the same space — it is about building relationships, learning from one another and recognising the value that every person brings,” she said.

Laerskool Birchleigh also supported Con Amore’s winter drive by donating warm clothing, food and toiletries.