By: Matshediso Selebeleng

As schools settle into the new academic year, Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind is also preparing for the season ahead, with teachers and learners adjusting to the return to classrooms. In support of the school community, Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe visited Bartimea as part of a back-to-school campaign, where she offered words of encouragement and appreciation to both educators and learners. Tolashe commended teachers for their dedication to ensuring quality education for learners with special needs, noting the school’s continued growth and positive impact on families and communities. “The growth and success of this school would not have been possible without your individual and collective commitment. You inspire learners to reach new heights, think critically, and embrace the joy of learning. Your efforts have created an environment where students are not only educated but empowered to reach their full potential,” she said. Highlighting the shared responsibility in education, Tolashe also thanked parents and guardians for their ongoing support, acknowledging the challenges they face as caregivers. She emphasised that parents are a child’s first teachers and play a critical role in their development. The minister reiterated government’s commitment to supporting families of children with disabilities through various programmes, including positive parenting initiatives designed to equip caregivers with knowledge and practical skills. “These programmes aim to support caregivers in providing nurturing, responsive care for children with disabilities,” she said. She further outlined social assistance measures aimed at reducing economic vulnerability, including the Disability Grant, Care Dependency Grant and Grant-in-Aid. Tolashe also welcomed a donation from the Ashraful Foundation, stressing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in advancing inclusivity in education. Encouraging the class of 2026, she highlighted the school’s strong academic performance, noting that the class of 2025 achieved a 94% matric pass rate. “This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication and shared vision of everyone at the school,” she said. Addressing learners, Tolashe urged them to approach the year with confidence and curiosity. “This year is an opportunity to learn, explore and challenge yourselves. Remember, you are part of a community that believes in you and is eager to see you succeed,” she said. She added that the 2025 NSC results were a source of pride not only for Bartimea but for learners with special educational needs across the country. “These results send a powerful message: with the right support from parents, caregivers, teachers and school leadership, learners with disabilities can excel— and even outperform their peers without disabilities,” she said.