POLOKWANE – SOME 20 learners of Grace and Hope School for learners with special educational needs graduated last Tuesday during a ceremony at the Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Complex.
Grace and Hope principal, Mabore Ngoatje, said the learners were now ready to play a vital role in society.
“We are here today to honour these people who completed their studies. We hope that they will use their qualifications to benefit their communities. Let the world know that our learners are qualified,” Ngoatje said.
She said the learners should not look at their graduation as the end of an era, but rather as the beginning of the future.
“Today is the start of a new memory, a dream lies ahead for you.”
Ngoatje said Grace and Hope School prepares people with special educational needs to find their place in the world.
“We strive for excellence and have strategies in place to create opportunities to improve the lives of our learners. We train them to become responsible and independent adults,” she said.
The senior district manager for the department of education in Polokwane, Director Mathemane, spoke at the event and congratulated the graduates.
“These learners have mastered certain skills that they could use to make a living and to live independently. Parents who have children with special educational needs should focus on skills development to help their children grow into independent adults,” he said.
Mathemane praised the teachers of Grace and Hope for the time, effort and care that they put into teaching the learners special skills.
“With the help of parents, the community and government, Grace and Hope’s personnel can help to prepare these learners for a very successful future.”
The chairperson of the Capricorn branch of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) Gilbert Sepuru helped to hand over the graduation certificates.
