Rotara School, on the edge of Carltonville

On Monday 5 October 2022, ABCA visited Rotara School, on the edge of Carltonville, far south of Johannesburg. This is a very special school and caters for young people with mental and physical disabilities. There are 160 students, ranging in age from 5 years to 21 years. 

The school is meticulously maintained, even though they have been without electricity for a few months since their cables were stolen. The students are treated with respect and their self-confidence is reinforced constantly. Each teacher has an assistant in the classroom, which helps to maintain control and a calm environment. As the students reach the senior classes, they are taught life skills and job skills and are then given the opportunity to work in many businesses nearby.

The library and media centre are housed in a small room, which has games the teachers can use in the classrooms and a small quantity of books which fill one shelf. The teachers encourage the children to read (if they can) or to look at the pictures. They were so happy to receive five boxes of books from us, which will go a long way in encouraging the students to read and use the books. The children who came to take a look at the books were so excited, it really warmed our hearts.

We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit such a special school and give them the beautiful books lovingly packed and sent from Australia!

Drafted by Lauren Klevansky

Posted September 2022