Indiana teacher visits schools for the blind in South Africa

Indiana teacher visits schools for the blind in South Africa

by Patrick Soja, Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Low Vision Services Coordinator
Indiana School for the Blind

Seeing a cheetah just after it chased an animal and visiting two South African schools for the blind were three of the highlights of a recent trip to that beautiful country. But, while the memory of the cheetah will fade, the memories of the schools will continue to inspire. Teaching staff and administrators, working under difficult circumstances, were observed doing their best for their students. While working hard, they graciously shared information on their achievements and problems. Many of the problems will sound familiar to American readers.

The schools visited were the Prinshof School for the Visually Handicapped in Pretoria, founded in 1963, and the Institute for the Blind in Worcester near Cape Town, founded in 1881. Both schools have between 330 and 340 students and are supported by private and federal funds. Mrs. Cora Zanvuuren, a psychologist, and Mr. J. L. Barnard, the headmaster, and teachers were interviewed at the Prinshof School. Dr. Johan van der Poel, the Executive Director, was interviewed at the Institute. The interview with Dr. van der Poel was especially appreciated, because it occurred about ten minutes after I learned that we were going to "drive by" a school for the blind.

The Prinshof School is proud of the 20 classrooms that are set up for low vision students. The classrooms have closed-circuit television systems that have a camera on the teacher's desk and television monitors between every two students’ desks. The teacher can write on a slate, and the students can see on the monitors what was written. This system works well in mathematics and science classes. The classrooms also have desks with lamps attached for students who need more light and desks with hoods for students who are sensitive to light.

Both schools are proud that they adapted to the increased enrollments that came with the ending of the apartheid system in 1991. Minority students were successfully integrated into the schools after racially segregated schools were closed.

The Prinshof School is located behind the zoo in Pretoria. This proximity provides significant opportunities for the students and some problems. The zoo works closely with the school to help the students understand the animals. The problems arise because both the school and zoo are in an urban environment, and the urban crime wave is affecting both.

As is true for schools for the visually impaired worldwide, the two schools have some problems. The most serious concern is financial support for the schools. The government has eliminated cost-of-living adjustments. This, exacerbated by an inflation rate of from 10 to 13 percent, has decreased governmental support of the Prinshof School by 30 to 40 percent of the budget, according to Mr. Bernard. Dr. van der Poel said that up to 12 teaching positions may have to be terminated because of budget reductions. Foreign exchange decreases between the rand and other foreign currencies has intensified the problems. One imported item that has gone up in price recently, because of foreign exchange fluctuations, is the Perkins brailler.

Inclusion is being studied in South Africa, as in America (Africa News, Volume 3' Number 1, June 1997, p.4). The "education of learners with special needs" is being investigated by a commission, that uses the acronym ELSEN as its name. Meetings were recently held countrywide with stakeholders and representatives from disability organizations to discuss many issues. Two important issues are: Can necessary support services be put in place before the concept is implemented? And, can inclusion provide an adequate learning environment for most students? Dr. van der Poel has doubts about the country's ability to answer these and other questions positively before the policy is put into effect.

Both schools charge school and residential fees. At the Prinshof School and the Institute for the Blind, the fees were R500 and R1 500 respectively, approximately $109.00 and $326.00 annually. The fees are subsidized by the state if the parents cannot afford to pay the fees, but there are some indications that the government may reduce funding for this program.

Teachers are handling multiple teaching responsibilities. At both schools the occupational therapists are the orientation and mobility specialists. At the Prinshoff School, the two orientation and mobility specialists look after the low vision needs of the students.

After the hospitable reception I received, I can only wish all the people I talked to good luck and prosperity for South Africa and their schools.

Agency Contact Information | Texas State Homepage | Texas State Wide Search

Please complete the comment form or send comments and suggestions to: Jim Allan (Webmaster-Jim Allan)