GEORGE NEWS - Staff of Ilitha Special School for the Blind in Thembalethu on Tuesday 7 February picketed inside the office building of the Department of Higher Education in Courtenay Street.
According to Mzwandile Dibela, director of Ilitha, it is a registered non-profit organisation, but they have been struggling for years to register the school at the Western Cape Education Department. Ilitha was formed in October 2013.
The school currently teaches 13 blind students at Thembalethu Library, because they do not have premises of their own.
"We pay for their transport to the school with our grant money," said Dibela.
"These children need a boarding school and we need a proper place to teach them. Many teachers left us for schools that are registered. Same with the learners. We teach all ages - from the little ones to adults. Everyone has a right to education."
According to Dibela they are awaiting feedback from the department in Cape Town, and will meet again with officials in George next Wednesday, 15 February. George Herald is awaiting feedback from the department after sending enquiries late yesterday morning.
A follow-up article in this week's paper will give more perspective on the matter.
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