The Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind in Thaba Nchu marks a significant chapter in its existence this year.
Being founded in September 1962, it can now celebrate its 60th year.
The school’s management will mark this milestone by hosting celebratory events on the premises on Friday (23/09) and Saturday, with a reunion of all former and current learners.
This will mark the school’s pioneering work over the last six decades to change the way people perceive and understand those born deaf or blind.
“As an educational institution, the school prides itself on having produced several learners who have gone on to earn tertiary qualifications,” says Onthusitse Gama, the school’s liason officer.
Also a graduate, Gama is an educator at the school.
He says at first the school catered only for deaf learners – however, significant change unfolded with the inclusion of blind learners in 1975.
Living by its motto, Lesedi Go Tswa Lefifing (Light from Darkness), the school serves learners from Gr. R to Gr. 12.
The first matriculants were produced in 1996.
“The school prides itself on producing a 100% matric pass rate over the past three years, and persevering intellectuals despite their disabilty,” said Gama.
Currently the school has 353 learners, 46 teachers and 53 non-teaching staff, which include hostel supervisors, administrators and drivers.
For details about the weekend’s celebrations, dial 051-873-2205.
