“HEAR US, INCLUDE US” – SAYS CHILDREN ON INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY IN HAMMANSKRAAL

By Thandeka Stampu

• Children with disabilities used International Children’s Day to share their experiences of exclusion, communication barriers and abuse, while calling for greater inclusion and equal opportunities and also advocating for sign language awareness
• The Department of Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities are seen, heard and included in decisions affecting their lives.
• “Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Never think you are too deaf to be heard.” – Gauteng Child Ambassador WaMashudu Nyamande.

The voices and experiences of children with disabilities were brought to the forefront as the Department of Social Development commemorated International Children’s Day at Dominican School for the Deaf in Hammanskraal yesterday, under the theme: “My Day, My Future”.

For many of the learners, the day represented more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to speak openly about their lived experiences and to engage directly with government officials and other stakeholders committed to advancing children’s rights.

Through sign language, personal reflections and interactions with guests, learners shared their experiences of exclusion, communication barriers, abuse and neglect. They also spoke about their hopes for a future in which they are recognised not for their disabilities, but for their abilities and potential.

For these children, the day was an opportunity to be heard.

Some learners spoke honestly about experiencing abuse and neglect in their homes and communities, while others expressed frustration at being excluded from opportunities available to other children. They spoke about wanting equal access to education, sports, social activities and opportunities to participate fully in societal activities without being defined by their disability.

Amongst their concerns, was lack of sign language awareness among the broader public and community members. Several children shared their disappointment that many people do not attempt to learn sign language, making everyday communication difficult and often leaving them isolated.

They explained that something simple as more people learning basic sign language could help break down barriers, strengthen relationships and create more inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.

Their testimonies painted a vivid picture of the challenges that many children with disabilities continue to face despite progress in advancing children’s rights. They also highlighted a simple but powerful message: children with disabilities do not want sympathy; they want understanding, respect, inclusion and equal opportunities.

The choice of venue for this year’s commemoration reflected the Department’s commitment to ensuring that children living with disabilities are visible and included in national conversations affecting their lives.

Addressing the audience, the National Department of Social Development’s Chief Director responsible for Children, Ms Isabella Sekawana, said that the Department deliberately chose to commemorate International Children’s Day with learners at Dominican School for the Deaf.

“We wanted to bring this celebration closer to children whose voices are often overlooked. Every child deserves dignity, inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. Today is about ensuring that children living with disabilities know that they are seen, heard and valued,” Ms Sekawana said.

Speaking directly to the learners, Ms Sekawana made an impression that: “We have heard you, we see you, you are beautiful, and you can achieve more than you can imagine.”

The school’s Principal, Mr Jones Seema, welcomed guests and reflected on the institution’s rich history and contribution to deaf education in South Africa. “Deafness is not only about sign language; it is also about deaf culture,” said Mr Seema.

He explained that the first Dominican school for deaf learners in South Africa was established in Cape Town in 1874, while Dominican Waterbloem School for the Deaf was founded in 1937 and served Indian, Coloured and Black learners during apartheid.

Dominican School for the Deaf was established on 2 May 1962, and serve as a residential school comprising primary, middle and high school sections. The school currently accommodates 250 learners, supported by 41 educators and 89 support staff members.

Adding her voice to the day’s message of empowerment, Gauteng Child Ambassador, Ms WaMashudu Nyamande, encouraged learners to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams with confidence.

In her view; “many people focus on what others cannot do instead of what they can do. Your future is not determined by your challenges, but by how you respond to them,” said Ms Nyamande.

She also reminded learners that their disability does not define them and that they have the potential to become leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and change-makers.

Encouraging the children to believe in themselves; Child Ambassador Nyamande said that: “Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. You deserve every opportunity to succeed. Never think you are too young to make a difference and never think you are too deaf to be heard.”

The International Children’s Day concluded with the symbolic handover of gifts to learners, but it was the voices of the children themselves that left the most lasting impression and memories.

Their stories served as a powerful reminder that inclusion goes beyond ramps, buildings and policies. It means creating a society where children with disabilities are protected from abuse, free from discrimination, able to communicate without barriers and empowered to participate fully in every aspect of life.
As South Africa commemorates International Children’s Day, the message from the learners of Dominican School for the Deaf is clear: hear us, include us and give us the opportunity to thrive.

In 2015, Cabinet adopted the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a policy document which makes provision for comprehensive framework to promote inclusion, equality, and empowerment for persons with disabilities in South Africa.

Within this context, the Department of Social Development continues to play an important role in implementing the provisions of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Amongst its objectives, the White Paper seeks to promote equality and integration for persons with disabilities, remove barriers to participation in society, including physical, social, and attitudinal obstacles and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector