Learners do their school proud
"We are blessed with generous sponsors, parents, educators and a wonderful principal and would like to thank them for all the hard work they have put in”
LYDENBURG – The Estralita School recently did exceptionally well on cultural as well as sport level and once again proved that people living with a disability, are definitely not limited from achieving great success in life.
In July, the school choir participated in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (Sasce) in Durban and obtained fourth position in the category “special schools, own choice”, in which all nine provinces took part.
The children departed on July, 4th in a luxurious bus and enjoyed a two-night stay at the Royal Hotel. All expenses were paid for by the department.
The school would like to send out a special thanks to Gert and André Elektries who donated Dry-macs for the educators as well as Aida Labuschagne for the pocket money she provided for the children of the Belfast Children’s Home, to make the trip even more memorable.
“This was an opportunity of a lifetime for most of our learners who never dreamt of going to such a grand occasion. We are blessed with generous sponsors, parents, educators and a wonderful principal and would like to thank them for all the hard work they have put in,” Ms Hanlie Swanepoel of Estralita said. “The choir shined like stars and we are very proud of them”.
On the athletics track and in the swimming pool, Thabitha Mokoena, Yonela Nxoboyi and Carol Malinga also delivered star performances. Mokoena received a gold medal for standing jump and a bronze in the 100m run. “I was very impressed to accompany Mokoena to the Special Olympics in Pietermaritzburg,” Mr Caiphas Matlou said. “Every child can learn if we, the community, parents and the state, are willing to teach them. Children from special schools have different abilities, but they are definitely not disabled. They excel and achieve in what we cannot achieve in the “world of abilities”, he said.
Nxoboyi received a bronze medal in the 25m free style and Malinga grabbed the gold. Malinga also won the 25m back stroke and booked her ticket to Los Angeles where she will be representing South Africa in July, 2015. “Estralita School is so proud of her and we know she is going to hold Estralita and South Africa’s name high. She is without a doubt going to shine like a star”, her swimming coach, Ms Marnel Forster said.
