As a company that cares deeply about the communities in which it operates, Engen is assisting a Gugulethu school for differently-abled learners.
South Africa’s favourite fuel brand* has contributed therapy and sporting resources to Tembaletu School for Learners with Special Education Needs that will aid the learners to become inclusive contributing members of society.
Engen’s commitment to Tembaletu School is part of a joint government-private sector initiative to support developmental interventions, including expanded access for people living with disabilities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, attended the official handover of the funds on Friday, 14 February 2020.
The contribution by Engen will provide the school, which offers mother tongue education to isiXhosa learners from Gugulethu, Langa, Nyanga, Philippi, Delft, Mfuleni, and Khayelitsha, with new equipment for neurological and exercise therapy, electronic devices, and sports facilities.
Unathi Magida, Engen’s head of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement says this aligns with the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which endeavour to ensure a better and more sustainable future for all.
“Disability inclusion is also one of Engen’s key social investment focus areas, which gives us the opportunity to contribute towards inclusive disability rights in South Africa. We all have a role to play in enhancing the lives of all citizens especially those that are marginalised through disability,” adds Magida.
Tembaletu School principal, Ayanda Mtshazo says the school was founded in 1974 with just two teachers in response to a desperate need for an education for isXhosa-speaking children living with physical disabilities.
“It now it boasts 19 classrooms, eight offices, three therapy rooms, a sick bay, staff room, library, computer room, domestic science kitchen, general kitchen, dining hall, and a boarding dormitory - and offers a mainstream curriculum” comments Mtshazo.
Although the Western Cape Education Department assumed responsibility for the school in 1996, Mtshazo says private funding, fundraising and donations are essential to secure continued support for transport services and the development of learning and therapy programmes.
All of which makes Engen humbled to play a small part in empowering the learners of Tembaletu School, says Khalid Latiff, Engen’s General Manager: Corporate Strategy & Communications.
“Engen thanks all involved, with a special word extended to Minister Nkoana-Mashabane for her acknowledgement of Engen’s efforts,” says Latiff.
“As a company, we are inspired by and support government’s efforts to create a better life for all, and sincerely hope that our contribution in this instance helps the learners of Tembaletu School to chart their own destiny, by helping upskill them to become self-sufficient, and intellectually and economically independent.”