On December 1, Salaam Foundation will be hosting “Echoes of Innocence: a tribute by children with disabilities in South Africa for children in Gaza”. Children and adults from schools across Gauteng will be performing and displaying their talents. These are some of the organisations who will be involved in the event who provide important education to the children.
IHSAN (Islamic Holistic School for Alternative Needs) Center
The centre was established in 2007 to address the huge gap the founders identified in the Muslim community with regards to the community’s support for children with disabilities. The school started off with a single class of five learners with one teacher and one parent. It grew into a comprehensive education institution which works with the needs of individuals of all ages. The school is centred around teaching the learners life skills and independence. This includes activities like getting the learners to unpack their lunch and put their lunches away. The entire schooling is based on a Montessori model from the play time to the lesson time. The lesson time includes working on the learners’ fine motor skills, bilateral integration and hand-and-eye coordination. These are all skills which the learners need to function in society.
IHSAN Centre: providing a safe space for learners with alternative needs
Maleehah Laylaa
The Maleehah Laylaa Centre for Special Needs was established in February 2011 by Aadila Moolla as a specialised centre for children with disabilities. This institution was conceived to provide a comprehensive education that included proper care, simulating training, and a strong foundation of morals and values, tailored specifically for learners with low functioning needs. In addition to its core educational offerings, the school has introduced engaging gardening activities, providing students with hands-on experiences that promote sensory stimulation, fine motor skills, and a connection to nature. This initiative not only enhances their learning but also fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
https://www.maleehahlaylaaschool.org/
Jocod – Johannesburg Council for Disabled
JOCOD is a day protective workshop facility for adults with disabilities. JOCOD provides a holistic and integrated service to the beneficiaries which responds appropriately to their needs, recognising their strengths and capacity for empowerment and capacity building. This model is developmental in nature. The facility aims to empower and develop people with disabilities, providing them with a number of skills which includes adult education and training, basic numeracy and literacy and sports and recreation amongst other things. JOCOD wants to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities to promote dignity and independence.
https://jocod.org.za/services.htm
Lenasia Muslim Association – LMA
The Lenasia Muslim Association has been serving the community since 1964. Their mission is to assist with the challenges facing our Ummah. LMA has been running extra classes for children with disabilities. No fee is charged because these learners get a grant for their personal use. There are two teachers running the project and a qualified therapist comes through when required. Empowerment activities such baking, arts and crafts as well as social development are carried out at the centre. There are currently 13 learners that attend Madrassa from Monday to Thursday. They are taught the basics in Islamiat, as well as social behaviour, cleanliness and Akhlaaq.
DISA – Disability information support association
DISA is an organisation focusing on children with disabilities, support groups and special needs education.
Little People Learning Academy
Based in Erasmia, Pretoria, Little People Learning Academy is a small early childhood development (ECD) Centre for children aged between three to five years. It is a facilitation centre for homeschooling learners providing special needs academic help and a craft centre. The academy consists of small classes to provide the best academic, social and practical environment for children with special needs.
https://m.facebook.com/Little-People-Learning-Academy-109267397356810/
