SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT HOSTS NC WORKSHOP ON IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSIVE SPACES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

By Morapedi Sibeko.

•⁠ ⁠A workshop in Upington in the Northern Cape is emphasising how inclusion creates supportive spaces that nurture the emotional well-being of children with disabilities.
•⁠ ⁠Participants of the workshop visited the Oasis Skills Development Centre, which demonstrated the impact of such a holistic and inclusive approach.
•⁠ ⁠Based on a learning trip to see how Japan promotes inclusivity within its society, the centre adopted practices that encourage independence, belonging, and participation.

As Disability Rights Awareness Month gets underway, the Department of Social Development is in Upington, Northern Cape, for a workshop on the Project for the Expansion of Respite Care Services to Families of and Children with Disabilities.

The project, supported through an ongoing partnership between the department and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), continues to show how shared knowledge can contribute to improving the quality of life of children with disabilities and their families.

The visit reinforced the understanding that inclusion is not only about physical access to services. It is equally about creating supportive spaces that nurture emotional well-being and ensure that every child feels a sense of belonging.

This was evident during the visit to the Oasis Skills Development Centre, which has embraced a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting children with disabilities in its care.

Centre coordinator Megan Eksteen reflected on the positive changes that followed training in Japan, made possible through the partnership supported by JICA.

Exposure to new ideas on care and learning prompted the centre to adopt practices that encourage independence, belonging, and participation.

An early childhood development inclusivity room has been created where children with disabilities learn with children without disabilities.

The space encourages social interaction, learning, and acceptance from an early age, which supports emotional confidence and educational development.

A snoozing room has been introduced for children on the spectrum. This room provides a calm and comfortable space where children can rest and regain balance when they feel overwhelmed.

The centre-based approach adopted after the Japan learning visit has strengthened coordination and planning, which helps families receive more structured support.

The workshop gathered together representatives from the Department of Social Development, JICA, other government departments, and non-governmental organisations in the disability sector.

This reflects an increased commitment to working more closely across sectors to create supportive systems that respond to the needs of children with disabilities in a more unified manner.

The Respite Care Project is currently being implemented in the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga.

Working groups in these provinces bring together role players who support children with disabilities and their caregivers.

They serve as a platform to identify challenges, share insights, and strengthen coordination so that families experience more consistent and effective care.

The working groups encourage collaboration that enables partners to jointly address barriers and improve referrals and access to services.

Progress in disability inclusion requires shared responsibility.

The collaboration taking place through this project shows how communities, government, and organisations are contributing to building an environment that values the rights and potential of every child, including children with disabilities.

This approach aligns with the broader vision of a society that embraces inclusive practices and works collectively to ensure that no child is left behind.