The South African Council for the Blind gave a new lease on life to four blind and partially sighted learners of Tshilidzini Special School. The institution donated learning material to the four top learners at the school, at a function held at the school's hall on Wednesday last week.
The learners jointly received two Perkins Braille machines and two sets of study aids. Each study aid contained an illuminated magnifying glass, a calculator, an alarm clock, a talking watch and black bold point felt tip pen.
The South African Council for the Blind joined hands with Murray & Roberts and the DEC Trust in the national initiative, which has already donated study material to different schools in the country. The benefiting learners at Tshilidzini Special School are Shudufhadzo Muvhango (Grade 7) and Nyeleti Mathebula (Grade 7).
The Head of Department: Education Support Services in the South African National Council for the Blind, Obert Maguvhe, appealed to the beneficiaries to use the study equipment effectively. "The equipment might look light but they are very useful to build your future. Take care of them because you will need them in your educational sphere on a daily basis."
Maguvhe, who is blind himself, said it is important to invest in the future of the children because they are the future leaders. "Blind and partially sighted learners were discriminated against in the past years. It is now time to enjoy the fruits of freedom because the doors of learning are open to everyone, including the disabled."
One of the learners, Nyeleti Mathebula said: "We will work hard to show the South African National Council for the Blind that they did not waste their resources and money."