Company sponsors face shields for learners with special needs
9 July 2020
The Western Cape Education Department’s Directorate: Inclusive and Specialised Education Support was grateful to receive a generous donation of face shields for learners at special schools across the province.
The handing-over ceremony was hosted by the Rusthof Special School in the Strand. The principal of the school, Minette Mally, welcomed the WCED officials and sponsor to the event on Wednesday, 24 June 2020.
The COVID-19 safety protocols require schools to adhere to stringent measures to ensure the safety of learners and teachers. Learners with special needs require safety measures that would accommodate their diverse needs and collaboration between the private sector and government departments has become an inevitable necessity.
The sponsor, Viewprotect, designs and manufactures transparent protective wear. This global company provided face shields for learners in special schools at no cost to the schools and the WCED.
The CEO of the company, Marius de Villiers, said the initiative was prompted by the realisation that the global COVID-19 pandemic would have a huge impact on South Africa. He said donating the much-needed equipment to schools was an automatic focus. The company was of the view that efforts to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic and to flatten the curve of infection had to start with those who are most vulnerable.
The initiative was coordinated by the programme manager for Special Schools, Minna Steyn. She expressed her gratitude to the sponsor and emphasised the valuable contribution the company was making to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable and, in doing so, demonstrate inclusive practice.