Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-02-03 11:40:27
The 2024 academic year presents a significant challenge for learners with special needs in the Eastern Cape, as the demand for placement in the province’s 45 special needs schools far exceeds the available classroom space. This issue is particularly acute for children with autism, and as a result, many are left on a seemingly endless waiting list for a spot in a suitable school.
Nobethembu Qosho, the founder of the non-profit organization Autism Matters, has brought attention to this pressing problem, stating, “We are nowhere in this province; it is still a huge challenge for these kids to get a school, the waiting list is endless.” Qosho emphasized that the number of children diagnosed with autism is growing, only adding to the ever-expanding waiting list for placement in special needs schools.
In the Nelson Mandela Bay metro alone, more than 130 children with autism are currently on the waiting list for placement. Malibongwe Mtima, the spokesperson for the provincial Education Department, has acknowledged the issue and outlined their plans to address it. Mtima explained, “Of the 45 special schools in the province, 17 are in Port Elizabeth. Generally, we do not have a long waiting list in our schools except in Quest, which is dealing with autistic learners.”
However, the department has taken steps to alleviate the shortage of space for learners with autism. Mtima noted, “This year we started an autism wing at Merryvale Special School. For the school that does not write Grade 12, placement is done throughout the year as they follow differentiated learning. Only 10 schools are doing Grade 12, first the schools of skills that are attracting those learners that are at Mild to Moderate Handicap (MMH); the applicants are only taken when they turn age 14. Furthermore, 18 mainstream schools have introduced technical occupation curriculum (TOC), which means even those schools do not have the long waiting list.”
Despite these efforts, the issue remains persistent, with many children still struggling to find placement in a specialized school. However, there is some hope on the horizon, as a newly-built, multi-million-rand special needs school has recently opened its doors in the Eastern Cape. This new facility has the potential to provide much-needed space and resources for children with special needs, particularly those with autism, who have been disproportionately affected by the shortage of specialized schools.
In conclusion, the shortage of space in special needs schools in the Eastern Cape, particularly for learners with autism, remains a significant challenge. While steps have been taken to address the issue, many children still find themselves on waiting lists for placement. The opening of a new special needs school is a positive development, offering hope for a better future for children with special needs in the province. Ultimately, continued efforts and investments are needed to ensure that all learners, regardless of their special needs, have access to a suitable education.
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