MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: The North West Department of Education handed over four specialized seating and communication devices valued at R95 000 to Oratile Semunza Disability Centre in Makhubung Village to provide essential support for learners with severe to profound intellectual impairments.
“Our learners with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.These specialized seating devices will make a significant difference in the lives of these learners, allowing them to participate more actively in their education”, says NW Education MEC, Viola Motsumi.
In a separate development, the North West Gambling Board, under the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conversation, and Tourism (DEDECT) announced major renovations for two schools in Mafikeng.
The two schools- Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Montshia and Setumo Secondary School in Majemantsho will undergo phased renovations aimed at improving their infrastructure before winter.
“As winter approaches, it is crucial for our learners to have warm and conducive learning spaces,” said Mr. Pillay, Chief Director of the North West Gold Rush. “We will be replacing doors, windows, and roofs, and fixing ablution facilities based on the specific needs of each school.”
The exact cost of the renovations is yet to be determined according to each school’s identified needs.
The Social Cluster also conducted an oversight inspection at DP Kgetleng Primary School in Mafikeng, which is undergoing extensive renovations encompassing all classrooms and the construction of a new block for additional classes and an administration block.
These initiatives by the North West Department of Education and the North West Gambling Board demonstrate a shared commitment to providing learners with the resources and infrastructure they need to succeed. The Thuntsa Lerole Programme directly improves the lives of learners with disabilities, while the school renovations ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for all learners during the colder months.
The Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School in Montshia and Setumo Secondary School in Majemantsho received commitments for major renovations from the agency of the Department of Economic Development called Gambling Board. Both schools will be fully renovated in different phases until they are completed.
The Chief Executive Officer for the North West Gambling Board, Nareen Pillay highlighted that since winter is approaching, learners need to be taught in a warm place.
“We can see that winter is approaching and our learners will be affected by the cold. Therefore, we will replace the doors, windows, roofing and fix the ablution facilities of the school. At the moment we don’t have specific costs for the renovations, we will fix them based on the need at the school,” said Nareen Pillay.
The Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sports donated sporting kits to Onkgopotse Tiro Technical, Batswana Commercial, Slurry Primary, Phakisa Primary and Melorana Primary Schools.
The sports kits consist of; volleyball Quick set, volleyball balls, netball balls, soccer balls, morabaraba board and tokens and kgati ropes.
