Disability is not inability
In the morning of 12 September 2024 at the Peter Mokaba Executive Lounge, New Horizon Special School, in support with the Office of the Premier and Polokwane Municipality among other stakeholders, led a career exhibition for learners with intellectual disability to promote equal academic and employment opportunities for all.
New Horizon is a school that caters for students who have special educational needs due to severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or behavioral problems. Their aim is to not only provide a well-rounded education for learners with special needs in a safe and caring environment, but to also develop and refine their skills for them to lead a productive and satisfying life.
This is why the principal of the school, Mr. Kwena Robinson Phooko highlighted the significance of events like these, and how they can expose possible career opportunities that learners living with intellectual disability can have access to after their primary, secondary, and tertiary studies, regardless of their impairment.
“My wish is to see our province having a more improved education system and curriculum that caters to learners of different intellectual capabilities,” said the jovial school principal.
The gathering also served as a tool to bring about social cohesion between the impaired and “normal” community to diminish all stigmas surrounding persons with disabilities. Hence, the 24-year-old Lungelo Johannes who is living with the autism spectrum disorder did not hesitate to express how it has been navigating academics and life in general. “Because of New Horizon, I am more confident to speak with others. I can work, study, and do everything that other people can do,” said the young man.
His mother also validated him by revealing how hardworking and persistent he is when he wants something. Lungelo was also a top A student who always progressed with distinctions among his peers.
In his keynote remarks, the Director for Special Programmes in the Office of the Premier, Mr. Selaelo Makgato emphasised how persons with intellectual impairment should be considered in their own way. Thus, the President of SANASE (South African National Association for Special Education) and Principal at Mahlasedi Special School, Mr. Mashaphu Shale said:
“The mandate is to protect and advocate for the quality of education for learners with disability.”
Other entities present at the event, contributing to this mandate of inclusive opportunities for all were Old Mutual, Capricorn TVET College, W&RSETA (Wholesale & Retail Sector Education and Training Authority), Department of Employment and Labour, just to name a few.