Holistic development
To facilitate the holistic development of all learners at our school, thus encouraging independence, and enabling them to become contributing members of society.
OUR SCHOOL
A place of good hope.
Our story, our purpose and a school community that welcomes every learner.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A healthy child is a happy child.
Ithembelihle means “Place of Good Hope”. Our school was established through the initiative of educators who saw a need for an institution for learners with physical disabilities.
Registered under our current name in April 1998, we grew from the former J.C. Merkin School in Soweto.
Education for all
To provide primary school education for physically disabled and cerebral palsied learners from all sectors of the community.
Potential & belonging
Accommodate learners in a non-threatening environment. Growth in academic, social, and life skills. Develop knowledge and skills. Enable learners to reach their full potential.
OUR HISTORY & COMMUNITY
Hope at the heart of our school
Ithembelihle means “Place of Good Hope”. Our story began with educators who recognised the need for a school for learners with physical disabilities.
- Early 1990s
A need recognised
Educators set out to create an environment that would meet learners’ education and support needs.
- April 1998
A name rooted in hope
The school was registered under the name Ithembelihle, following its origins at J.C. Merkin School in Soweto.
- Our purpose
Education, independence & belonging
The school’s guiding principles centre on opportunity and the development of each learner’s potential.
Read the full school history & community information
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.
1998Registered as Ithembelihle
April 1998
April 1998
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