By Karabo Ntanzi
There was hype and excitement at Janie Brink Special School in Kimberley last Thursday as teachers, parents, caregivers and learners held a “Matric Dance” for about twenty-four Group Seven learners.
Thinus van Sittert, Principal of the school said, “Due to the nature of our school we do not have matric but it is fitting to bid farewell to those exiting the school, hence we have a farewell function similar to a matric dance. Our classes are from group one to group seven because our learners are intellectually impaired”.
Van Sittert is himself partially sighted. His office desk is laden with the latest accessories some of which he uses in his daily tasks. The school’s “matriculants” could be seen on the premises with their flashy style of dressing including designer ware and smiles beaming from ear to ear.
The cherry on top was when the “matriculants” were chauffeur driven with “big machines” such as BMW, Audi and other model sports cars provided by Cor Grobbelaar, a businessman and his associates.
The girl “matriculants” came decked out in their finest attire. The nails were brightly polished and hair made in the latest styles thanks to generous sponsors.
There was a deafening sound of cars revving up all at once. The sound from the cars and the crowd screaming and whistling brought life to the quiet school situated in a secluded industrial site north of the central business district of Kimberley.
The “matriculants”, especially the boys could be seen sitting proudly in the front seat of these big, shiny machines with elbows protruding out of windows. Others were wearing sunglasses to complement the look.
“When I was in matric someone drove me to the dance. I vowed to be a blessing to someone one day”, said the proud Grobbelaar.
The school is situated at Kim Industria with neatly trimmed gardens and well-kept walkways. It was established in 1960. It has a hostel to accommodate learners from other, far off parts of the province. The local learners are transported daily between their homes and school for their safety.
Although the learners have various challenges they assist with the upkeep of their school terrain. The school has 226 learners aged from six years old to 18 with 29 educators and 26 general assistants.
The school does not follow a formal curriculum but their subjects include mathematics and languages. Learners start doing hand crafts such as needlework, woodwork and creative arts at a lower group. They then progress to the selective or career oriented courses such as hospitality etc.
These subjects also prepare the learners to be independent. Sign language is compulsory because most learners are non-verbal or unable to speak.
According to the principal the school follows a rigid schedule to accommodate learners with autism and other related conditions.
The principal commended his learners on their discipline and behavior, “our learners are disciplined. We have little cases of misbehaviour”, he said.
At the end of the year, the school hosts a craft market day where the crafts made by the learners are sold. The learners are allowed to take their wares home or sell them to interested clients.
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