By: Zethu Gweva
The Eastern Cape Disability Economic Empowerment Trust in partnership with Armaments Corporation of South Africa donated gifts to Vukuhamba Special School in Mdantsane yesterday.
This is after the Armscor with ECDEET visited and assessed the condition of the school and the hostel, which left them emotionally unsettled after seeing how uncomfortable the pupils live.
The items handed over to the school are 200 cutleries, 81 pillows, industrial iron and 57 mattresses.
According to Armscor spokesperson Monde Sussmann said the department will commit to the school she added that Armscor is looking for pupils with maths and science.
“We will build and long and lasting relationship with school and we are looking for pupils with maths and science for we have opportunities for them,” said Sussmnn.
ECDEET CEO Thabiso Pethuka said there are a lot of Eastern Cape special schools that need to be fixed and Vukuhambe is one of them. “We are in the process of fixing all the special schools in the province.”
He added that the purpose of such events in schools is to empower children with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of Vukuhambe pupils, grade 12 pupil Asisipho Peter expressed her gratitude towards Armscor for the donated items.
“I lack words to express how grateful we are for the goods, we will no longer feel like prisoners, this school will feel like a home,” she said.
Speaking at the handover Finance MEC Oscar Mabuyane said education is a societal matter which includes everyone to take part in educating their children regardless of their disabilities and abilities.
The School Governing Body chairperson Amanda Someketa said they are grateful as parents of children with disabiled for what Armscor has done for them.
She added that as much as they are grateful they would like more securities to employed at the school as they fear for the safety of their children.