Lerato Mbhiza
The second Intellectual Disability Awareness and Career Expo kicked off at Isipho Sethu LSEN School in Vosloorus on Wednesday where parents were urged to support their children living with disabilities.
The event focused on celebrating people with disabilities but also creating awareness on their challenges. And its aim was to contribute to the progressive fulfillment of the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities into the employment sector to increase their participation in the socio-economic environment.
The school representative, Diggan Mtshali, said parents need to support children with disabilities and he encouraged parents not to be ashamed of their children who have disabilities.
Mtshali said learners with disabilities faced a lot of challenges and some of the challenges include not having matric as some of the special schools don’t offer matric to the pupil. But he encouraged the learners to work hard and be patient with what they do.
The event was also a platform to motivate learners with disabilities, since they are at a higher risk of not getting exposure to the real world.
One of the former students of Isipho Sethu LSEN School, Phumzile Nguni, shared her emotional experience with the challenges that she encountered when exiting the school as a student with special needs.
“Coming from a special school, you need to know that the world is tougher out there, and people with disabilities will be judged from the outer cover. You need to be patient and strong when it comes to work”.
Five schools were invited to discuss corporate career opportunities and what companies look for when attracting people with disabilities into their employment. Schools such as Dukathole LSEN School, Zimeleni LSEN School, Ezibeleni LSEN School, and Samson LSEN School attended the expo.
More than 8 % of South African females and 6,5% of males are disabled, yet sourcing and accessing relevant skills within this marginalised sector remains a challenge.
One of the speakers, Sibusiso, from Hius Van Cofifi, said they work with the youth to help people with disabilities.
“We help the youth develop skills, not just in making coffee but in basic skills, which will help them in their skills.”
“’HVC aims to promote and build opportunities for youth generations that will effectively together forge South Africa ahead through its youth revolution in coffee programs designed for secondary schools.
INSIDE EDUCATION
