A massive injection of R1 million has transformed a special needs school in KwaZulu-Natal’s remote Pongola region, ending its long-standing battle against extreme space, resource, and transport limitations.
The South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) recently provided Siphosethu Special School, in Pongola’s deeply rural Esidakeni area, with two especially-equipped mobile classrooms and a vehicle, transforming the facility’s ability to support its 150 learners living with severe intellectual disabilities, inclusive of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, and Cerebral Palsy.
The new classrooms and vehicle – vital for the transport of both staff and learners – were officially handed over to the school at a recent unveiling event attended by the guest of honour, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thamsanga Ntuli.
Commenting on its crucially-needed funding provision, SAMCT representative, Mr Shabir Chohan, said: “The school’s ability to provide the critical support required was severely compromised by extremely limited space and resources. We, of the SAMCT, were pleased and privileged to offer the financial assistance the school lacked. The children in this school’s care deserve a place where they can feel safe, be seen and enjoy appropriate support by way of specialised classrooms, equipped with a sensory facility to promote calming, structured stimulation and a routine-based teaching environment, complete with visual cues and workstations.”
Siphosethu Special School was established in 2017 and accommodates learners from different wards around Pongola Municipality and even parts of Mpumalanga Province. However, it has long lacked appropriate infrastructural resources. Its autistic learners, in particular, display behavioural patterns requiring very specific interventions. Many exhibit rigid thinking patterns and struggle with transitions. Some are hyper-reactive to noise or light, while others are hypo-reactive, needing more stimulation to remain engaged. For such learners, general-purpose classrooms are not only inadequate but can be overwhelming, disorienting, and even harmful to their development.
Mr Chohan said: “The new specialised learning spaces address such issues and now afford learners a safe, nurturing environment in which to thrive. The impact of introducing such dedicated special needs classroom facilities for learners experiencing profound developmental challenges cannot be underestimated. These appropriately equipped classrooms will, I believe, make a meaningful and significant impact on the lives of learners here. Our investment in the school will most certainly give effect to long-term benefits for both learners and the wider community.”
In addition to the classroom facilities, the SAMCT has provided the school with a new vehicle.
“Having a vehicle is crucial for a remote school, ensuring the reliable and safe transportation of learners and staff, enabling access to resources and assisting in the smooth functioning and overall operational efficiency of the educational facility. This was a critical resource the school lacked and the SAMCT was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet this important need,” said Mr Chohan.
The SAMCT was created in 2008, the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and
Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has successfully delivered sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa – irrespective of race or religion – and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of healthcare, social development, poverty alleviation and education.
Serving as a pivotal conduit for the channelling of funding, vital services and resources to approved public benefit organisations, the SAMCT has – since inception – been unwavering in its commitment to catalysing positive change and creating a lasting impact on the development and upliftment of communities. Funds are distributed to improve the health and development of people, irrespective of race or religion.
Mr Chohan indicated that the SAMCT plays a transformative role by directing substantial donations towards multi-faceted initiatives, spanning education, poverty alleviation, empowerment, community upliftment and sustainability programmes. He stressed that the organisation sets out to foster social equity and ensure the well-being of those in need.
He added: “This remotely-based special needs facility is so much more than just a school. It is a true beacon of hope for educationally-challenged children who, all too often, are relegated to the sidelines of society. Learners here face unique challenges, but with the right support and appropriate resources, they can thrive, connect and grow. We hope that, through our funding intervention, we have assisted in creating a nurturing space where these special needs learners can now go on to realise their fullest potential.”
Mr Chohan said the SAMCT was privileged to have partnered with Siphosethu Special School and to have met its resource requirements, adding that the Trust would continue to evolve, responding dynamically to the changing needs of society, whilst remaining steadfast in its dedication to creating a more equitable and empowered South Africa.
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For more information about the SAMCT or its donation of mobile classrooms and a vehicle to Siphosethu Special School, please contact:
Rasheeda Motala
Social Responsibility Executive
Tel: 084 506 2280
Email: samct@samct.co.za
www.samct.co.za