inclusive education special needs

The Struggle Towards Inclusive Education in South Africa’s Western Cape

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The current framework governing access to services for children with disabilities is outdated, leaving thousands without access to education. The struggle for inclusive education in South Africa’s Western Cape is a constant battle against bureaucratic hurdles, scarce resources, and societal biases. While 75 specialized schools and 173 mainstream schools attempt to meet the needs of children with unique educational needs, some parents find the service insufficient. The regional government has promised additional resources, but parents continue to fight for their children’s right to an appropriate education.

special needs school concerns

Unsettling Events at Special Needs School in Westcliff Awaken Concerns

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Disturbing incidents have occurred at Hope Learners with Special Educational Needs in Westcliff, Johannesburg. These include two sexual assaults within the school’s territory, one involving a Grade 9 boy and a Grade 8 girl on Valentine’s Day 2023, and the other involving a Grade 12 male student allegedly violating a Grade 4 male pupil on 26 October 2023. Additionally, a pupil in an electric wheelchair was injured after the wheelchair was tampered with, a student distributed “space cookies,” and a Grade 12 student accused of the second incident was temporarily transferred to another school to finish his final exams. The Gauteng Education Department is currently investigating the occurrences.

youth day inclusivity

The Great Youth Day Bake Off: A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusivity

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In Cape Town, a unique event is taking place to celebrate Youth Day. The nonprofit organization Be MyVoice has organized a baking competition called The Great Youth Day Bake Off. The event is specifically designed for special needs youth. The Great Youth Day Bake Off highlights the creativity and talents of these young participants. It also serves as a platform for raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within the community.

western cape autism

Western Cape Government Invests in Autism Education

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The Western Cape government has recently pledged R68 million to improve facilities and resources for students with autism in existing schools. This funding will be used to build two new special needs schools and 28 classrooms in existing schools that will cater specifically to students with autism. In addition to this, the Western Cape Education Department has earmarked an additional R214 million to support these students until 2026, in addition to existing special education funding. The move has been widely welcomed by the autism community, as rising incidences of autism in recent years have created a backlog that needs to be addressed urgently.