Egoli Blind visits Sibonile School
For the fifth consecutive year the executive committee of Egoli Blind’s organization decided to sponsor white canes for 12 senior learners.
Involvement with the Sibonile School, situated in Kliprivier, for the Visually Impaired by Egoli Blind, a member organisation of Blind SA, has become a regular and traditional feature of one of their main projects.
For the fifth consecutive year the executive committee of Egoli Blind’s organisation decided to sponsor white canes for 12 senior learners, prizes for the dux learners of Grades 8 and 9 and also for their sports boy and sports girl.
Four of their members and two members of staff of Blind SA head office: Christo De Klerk (Chairperson), Martie De Klerk, Stafie Pelser, Petro Pelser and Karin and Johannes from head office, visited Sibonile School on Friday, November 1.
“As we got out of our vehicle, inhaling the fresh early morning air, the beautiful sounds of spontaneous hymn singing of the learners reached our ears. Approaching the main entrance of the school building, we were warmly welcomed by the principal and teachers,” said Stafie.
If the Sibonile School can find a sponsor, it is their sincere intention to make a CD as their singing is no ordinary sound, but one of pure professionalism. Blind SA makes an appeal for someone or a business to put funds forward as sponsorship for an excellent cause.
“It was a great privilege to join their Friday morning assembly. To commence proceedings, the principal led the learners and staff in reciting the Lord’s prayer and then we experienced emotional moments when plus-minus 190 learners and the teachers joined in the singing of two gorgeous hymns. Following this, the delegation of Egoli Blind and Blind SA were cordially welcomed and introduced,” said Stafie.
Christo De Klerk addressed the learners, informing them about the principles and objectives of Blind SA. He also explained the purpose of their visit and that Blind SA is always available to support visually impaired persons.
Firstly, 12 learners were presented with white canes, emphasising the condition that they must use them effectively to enhance their mobility. They also paid a warm tribute to the company Scott Barder, who kindly sponsored the white canes.
The big moment arrived when talking clocks were presented to the dux learner of Grade 9, the dux learner of Grade 8, the sports boy and the sports girl, as prizes recognising their superb achievements. Finally, a Purkins Braille writer was presented to one of the learners as a very special gift from a company.
The school provides an education programme ranging from Grade R up to Grade 9. After grade 9 they are transferred to an appropriate school for the continuation of their education career.
This specialised school follows the same learning areas in comparison with mainstream schools, the curriculum being specially adjusted to accommodate the remaining senses such as touch, hearing, smelling and tasting. Apart from their outstanding choir, other extramural activities such as athletics and boalball are embraced.
“We admire the way in which they focus on quality education and the abilities of the learners. As we said goodbye to our hosts, we promised our support and prayers, hoping that we can remain involved with the school as long as Egoli Blind exists as a member organisation,” ended Stafie.
