As we come to the end of child protection week, the daily headlines remind us of our education system’s responsibility to do more to ensure the safety and security of our children in schools. Over the past few months, we have seen the death of another young learner falling in a pit latrine, the South African Human Rights Commission holding public hearings into the deaths of 3 learners in a special school hostel fire and countless reports of knife attacks, gang fights and ongoing corporal punishment in schools. Violence in schools is a significant barrier to learning and is one that effects an alarming number of South African children. Inclusive Education South Africa was visiting a school in Cape Town during exams when shots rang out. Learners screamed in terror…
My name is Emily Zawe and I have type 2 Osteogenisis Imperfecta (brittle bones disease). To date, I have had 47 fractures and 10 surgeries. Growing up with Osteogenisis Imperfecta has been a difficult task to achieve but I’ve made it this far as strong as ever and this is my story….. so far. I was diagnosed with Osteogenisis Imperfecta when I was 18 months old. My family and I were forced to relocate to South Africa for better treatment which I receive from Steve Biko Hospital. At age 3 I started attending school at Balo and Friends Crèche. As a pre-scholar barely out of the toddler ages it was pretty rough. I was not allowed to run jump or climb jungle gyms because of the fear of falling and…
Today we have the privilege of sharing a story from a mothers heart. Her trials, her triumphs, her strengths and her challenges. We met Tamara Zawe a few months ago through our Information and Communication programme and what was most memorable about the conversation is that our programme officer ended up feeling more inspired after having spoken to Zamara! We trust that as we have just finished celebrating mothers day this past week, that you would be inspired as this story touches on various challenges and thoughts that countless mothers encounter in our country when standing in the gap for their children with diverse needs. Emily Zawe is a young lady aged 15 years old born in Zimbabwe on the 30th of January 2003, diagnosed at about eighteen months with…
When President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his first State of the Nation address in Parliament on February 16, he called up the memory of the recently deceased music legend Hugh Masekela and invited South Africans to “lend a hand”. Social media was alive with requests for the president to #SendMe, in response to this moving call. Unfortunately, children with disabilities, their parents and disability rights activists have not received Ramaphosa’s promises with equal optimism. We have become numb to winning slogans and passing references to children with disabilities’ plight in political speeches. We have also learnt through bitter experience that no slogan or symbolic gesture can replace the systematic overhaul of the basic education system that is required to ensure an inclusive education for all children. To continue reading the article as…
Today we have the last in our series of interviews with the Unfit Dads. We have the privilege of introducing Andrew Van Der Walt, who is passionate about encouraging all "Unfit Dads" to create change that will be a benefit to their families and communities. IESA: Please introduce yourself Andrew: Andrew van der Walt is the name, continuous improvement is the game. I am 36 years old, married to one wife and share the joy of parenting 3 gorgeous kids – Nicholas (10), Stefan (4) and Bethany (10 months). My day designation is an accountant for Red Bull South Africa Pty Ltd, while interacting and serving various churches through J-Life South Africa. IESA: What was your experience of school growing up? Andrew: I loved school – for me, school was cool.…
This week we introduce our second "unfit dad" Nigel Williams. Nigel's passion for his community and children is rooted in having to overcome many obstacles himself. We are privileged to be able to share a bit of his story and learn why this initiative is so close to his heart. IESA: Please share with us a bit more of yourself, your occupation and family… Nigel: My name is Nigel Williams, I am 50 years old and married to Chevonne Williams. We have two sons, Andre (23) and Lushin (16). I'm a personal trainer at BODYTEC City bowl and a group exercise trainer at Virgin Active. I also do voluntary work for two non-profit organizations - Study Buddyz and Horizon Discovery. I love working with people, I love cooking...not that I'm a great…
With respect to the right to education, reasonable accommodation means ensuring the specific support needs of learners with disabilities are provided for so that they are able to equitably participate in learning alongside their peers. To print or view this factsheet click here
Our vision is a fully inclusive society in which all people can participate to their fullest potential and where diversity is recognized, respected and promoted. Inclusion and diversity is a topic that is relevant for all organisations, regardless of the size of the staff. While it sounds obvious to state that we all deserve to work in an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying, unfortunately, this is not always the reality in the workplace. Businesses cannot continue to grow if everyone within them thinks the same, acts the same and has the same interests or if individuals do not feel a sense of belonging. The practices of Inclusion and Diversity ensure that your business will be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking…
Caroline Taylor was one of the founding members of Inclusive Education South Africa. Over the years, she has made a valuable and lasting contribution to the movement. This has been seen in her personal commitment to parents and teachers, both through her work in the Information and Support Programme and in her consistent and tireless efforts to raise awareness in education and other communities where children are at risk of exclusion. IESA was originally started as the Western Cape Forum for Inclusive Education in 1995. It was composed of a group of NGOs and individuals who were involved in education and/or disability issues. Some, including Caroline, were parents who had had personal experience of the difficulty of accessing educational support for their own children. There was always a strong awareness…
Eric Watlington, Andrew Van Der Walt and Nigel Williams are three "unfit dads" from Cape Town, who were caught up in the hype of running their first Two Oceans half marathon. Unfortunately, the Ballot process for this event favours club runners and these semi-novice runners were not chosen to run. When they found out that IESA was nominated as one of the Two Oceans Charity Entries, they saw it as an opportunity to not only "purchase" an entry by raising the funds but to raise awareness for the organisation as well. Hence, the #3unfitdads campaign began!! Three Fathers, One goal to complete their first half marathon, and only twelve weeks to get ready! Each Dad is trying to get 21 people to sponsor R 100 for one kilometre. In total,…
