Ithembelihle, “Place of Good Hope”,

is an apt name for our school which was established at the initiative of educators. the educators identified a need to establish an institution that would cater for physically disabled learners during the turmoil of the early 90’s. Over the years, the admissions expanded to include those learners with cerebral palsy and other medical conditions. Hence, there is a range of disabilities present at our school and these include muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, poliomyelitis, congenital amputation, phocomelia, arthrogryposis, hydrocephalus etc.

Ithembelihle is an off-shoot of the former J.C Merkin School in Soweto. The school was registered under its current name in April 1998. Ithembelihle is a state-aided school. This means that the Gauteng Department of Education provides the school with a subsidy and the balance of the funding must be obtained via fund-raising efforts and donations, in order for us to meet our strategic and business objectives.

The school is a boarding school which is open to all races and cultures. While the religious programmes at the school follow a Christian ethos, learners from other religious are most welcome. We are situated in a tranquil suburban environment which is conductive to teaching, and learning, of a high standard. This high standard of education is evident from the ease with which our learners are admitted to, and achieve in, Secondary School on passing Grade 7.

Ithembelihle School has a wide referral base which includes parents, members of the public and many professionals such as doctors, therapists, nurses, educators, social workers and psychologists.

The referrals are also steered to the school by the Gauteng Department of Education District Offices and Head Offices. All learners are screened prior to admission in order to determine if the environment and programme is appropriate for their needs. Admission to the school is dependent on the screening assessment.

The guiding principles which prompted the establishment of Ithembelihle LSEN School remain unchanged – we are devoted to providing, not just education and opportunities, but also strive to stand as a beacon of hope and light to our learners with special education needs.

The referrals are also steered to the school by the Gauteng Department of Education District Offices and Head Offices. All learners are screened prior to admission in order to determine if the environment and programme is appropriate for their needs. Admission to the school is dependent on the screening assessment.

The guiding principles which prompted the establishment of Ithembelihle LSEN School remain unchanged – we are devoted to providing, not just education and opportunities, but also strive to stand as a beacon of hope and light to our learners with special education needs.