Rivoni School for the Blind learners among top achievers
It seems there is no glass ceiling at Rivoni School for the Blind as its learners continue to punch above their weight.
LIMPOPO – Three learners from this school with special needs were among the top achievers announced by Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, in Midrand, Gauteng last Wednesday.
Based just outside Louis Trichardt in the Makhado Municipality, Rivoni School for the Blind rewrote the history books with the unsurpassed achievement by its learners, Ephodia Mudau, Zacharia Nyathi, and Hlulani Malungani, who are the 2016 second top achievers in the country in the special schools category.
Malungani now prepares to pursue his dream by studying psychology at the University of Venda, just a stone’s-throw away from home.
The success of Rivoni can be attributed to dedication, focus and total commitment, according to one of the teachers, James Mahlangu, who said: “At the beginning of the year, we signed a pledge to achieve a 100% pass in all subjects and it warms my heart that the leanres upheld this”.
Mahlangu added: “As a form to pledge their commitment in various subjects the three who received national recognition vowed they would do their best to achieve 100% in all subjects.
“Throughout the year their performance was indicative of this success when comparing achievements quarterly with achievements of the learners in the previous years.
“We came to realise these learners were more committed than the others we had previously”.
Rivoni Principal, Constance Mabaso, said the collaboration between teachers, parents and learners was the key element to produce good matric results.
She added that the school only had two top achievers in 2015.
“We pass our sincere gratitude to all the staff and members of the school governing body for the sacrifices they made in assisting our learners throughout the year.
“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” she said.
With the use of Braille to study and write, Mabaso said special schools are not very different to public schools.
“All questions are the same, the only difference is that some questions might be adapted to better suit their needs,” she explained.
Department of Education Spokesperson, Dr Naledzani Rasila, said they were pleased to be counted among the best.
He also wished all learners who had passed their exams well in their future academic endeavours.
