Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visits North West School for the Deaf/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West School for the Deaf in Leeudoringstad, near Wolmaranstad, has made history by achieving a 66% pass rate during the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Matric results. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this is a remarkable achievement after ‘years of significant’ challenges.
Motsumi further said the achievement marks a significant turning point for the school and a testament to the dedication of its educators, learners, and partners. She added that she is delighted with the 2023 Grade 12 performance.
“I am incredibly proud of the North West School for the Deaf and its entire community for this groundbreaking accomplishment. This 66% pass rate is a beacon of hope for the school and its learners and the deaf and hard-of-hearing community across the province.
“It demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The crucial role of partnerships in this success, commending the collaboration with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation in providing sign language interpreters for Grade 12 learners,” she said.
Motsumi said the importance of continued support and noted that, while these learners passed on school endorsement, pursuing further education or vocational training can help them reach their full potential. She encouraged learners whom she regarded as ‘brilliant young minds’ to explore the rich opportunities available in the higher education sector, including vocational studies.
“These pathways can equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to society and achieve their individual aspirations. The school’s success story serves as an inspiration for other schools and institutions serving deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.
“It demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive education and targeted interventions in ensuring equal access to quality education and unlocking the potential of every learner,” said Motsumi.
In 2022, the Pan South African Language Board chairperson in North West, Goitsemodimo Seleka, said they visited the school and were shocked to find out its teachers do not know sign language.
“What is happening there undermines the rights of these learners enshrined in the constitution. These learners expect to be taught in the language they understand. Some languages are used as a medium of instruction in various schools.
“If the language that is used as a medium of instruction is English or Setswana, we expect the teachers to use it to communicate. It would be difficult if teachers who were supposed to use sign language at the school did not know the language,” he said.
Seleka then said this affected pupils and it was in evidence when one looked at the 2021 Grade 12 results at the school. “The school had six Grade 12 learners last year and only one passed. Even when you look at the results of that learner, they are not impressive.
“This happened because of the quality of education these learners received. It becomes difficult for these learners to further their studies. When you look at the statistics, almost one million people use sign language in the province, but only a few have junior degrees.” Seleka added that the communities that these pupils come from make it difficult to accommodate them. He said in the process, the deaf community felt excluded.
The Guardian 