Mafikeng: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development celebrated Casual Day with 20 learners from Bophelong Special School on 4 September 2009. The theme for the day, which was celebrated at the Regional Office, was "Join the Team."
The learners with different disabilities were educated about the services of the department. They were given the opportunity to go through offices and meet officials. They were also taken to the wellness centre, where they participated in physical activities.
The Regional Head Tsietsi Malema encouraged the learners to work hard in order to achieve greater things in life. "The reason why we organised this event is to encourage these learners to work hard and prove those who discriminate disabled people wrong," the Regional Head said.
He expressed concern about disabled children who are hidden away because of their disability. "When there are visitors at that particular home, the disabled child is locked away so that the visitors do not see her/him."
Special Programmes Manager Agnes Kenosi pleaded with employees and the public to stop discriminating people with disability. "People living with disability can achieve greater things in life like the so called able people. Gone are the days when society used to discriminate others because they are disabled. I also thank Bears furniture for arranging gifts for these learners," she said.
Bophelong Special School Teacher Aggy Mogoshane thanked the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for inviting them to celebrate casual day.
"Some of these learners come from different villages were some members of community still discriminate against people living with disability." She said she believes the event would motivate the disabled learners to rise against all odds and to handle the stigma associated with disability.
Enquiries:
Mr Isaac Mokaila
Tel: 018 397 7071
Cell: 073 742 3906
Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
8 September 2009
