Category: Latest News

Salvation Army Educare - Inclusive Centres Project (funded by ApexHi) Putting pieces together: Gathering necessary information towards improved holistic support. [caption id="attachment_559" align="alignright" width="300"] Staff at Salvation consider the stages of learning and the skills required in being able to catch a ball[/caption] [caption id="attachment_558" align="alignright" width="300"] Working through the stages and skills linked to learning to write your name[/caption] In spite of the cloud of violence that hangs over the Manenberg community, it is reassuring to find ECD Teachers and staff who are putting their energy into creating a welcoming space of belonging at Salvation Army Educare. Having a symbol that matches their name on their lockers, tables and on the walls, finding their names on the birthday chart and being part of a small group within a larger class,…

A reminder that School Governing Body elections will be taking place at public schools across the province between March 6th and 28th. One of the overall responsibilities of a school SGB is to “promote the best interests of the school and strive to ensure its development through the provision of quality education for all learners at the school.”  This includes children who may need extra care and support. Parent governors are appointed to support the principal, educators and other staff in the performance of their duties - and those playing this role in turn need the support and encouragement of the parent body as a whole. IESA urges parents to participate in SGB elections and familiarise themselves with their parent representatives – even if they feel unable to stand for election…

In the first weeks of January 2015, Sue Bailie, our ECD Project Co-ordinator, visited some of our ECD centres and was excited to see the lengths that Principals and Educators are going to in order to create a supportive learning environment for children.  Here she shares some of her experiences thus far: Carebears ECD Centre [caption id="attachment_544" align="alignright" width="232"] Water Activities at Carebears[/caption] “The Principal’s commitment to her centre is evident in so many ways, for example she made a mosaic of the school’s name. There is a strong sense of community in this school, where the staff members support one another in a meaningful way. When I asked what the nicest thing was that they had experienced in the past two months, almost all of them referred to the…

IESA would like to commend Iqra, one the Educare centres we currently support (through funding from DSD).  The staff ended 2014 with an Oscar rewards box where they joined in nominating "a staff member of the year". On opening this year the principal took time to welcome each of the staff back with hands as shown in our picture, offering her support. The transitional process for the children was also carefully considered in November 2014.  Groups of children visited their new classes with their names, handed them to their teacher and shook her hand.  The staff also started this year with a meeting to discuss each of the children holistically in order to best support both those who were starting, as well as those who were moving to new groups. We…

On 3rd October 2014 Inclusive Education South Africa (IESA) hosted the 4th Annual Commitment to Inclusive Education Recognition Event at The Table Bay Hotel in the Waterfront, Cape Town. The day centred on appreciation for and acknowledgment of teachers and schools who go out of their way to implement good inclusive education practice in their classrooms and school communities. In this way all diverse children, taking into account any barrier to learning they may be experiencing, have a meaningful education. IESA recognises the effort that these teachers are making often in the face of multiple stressors. In her keynote address, Robyn Bath - Director of IESA, spoke to the obstacles that teachers face on their journey of commitment to inclusive education as well as the value that this commitment adds to the…

A powerful message from two inspirational young men, reminding us all that there is always HOPE! http://youtu.be/yswZoN_jtXU

Over the years we have been impressed by the many Educators who, despite significant and varied obstacles, have embraced inclusion and developed innovative ways of accommodating a wide diversity of learners in their classrooms. On 3 October 2014 we will take the opportunity to recognise them for their achievements on the eve of World Teachers Day (5 October 2014). This event celebrates educators who have shown a commitment to inclusion, as well as schools that stand out as beacons of good inclusive practice. We are seeking sponsorship for this event as well as donations toward the gift hampers for 100 nominees. Contact: Shayne Ormond shayne@included.org.za 021 762 6664