Merryvale School for Specialised Education celebrated its 70th anniversary on Friday, 6 February, marking seven decades of dedicated service to learners with special educational needs.
The milestone was commemorated with a concert showcasing the talents of the junior choir, Legacy Dance Group, Autism Wing, Gumboot Squad and Sing Squad.
Addressing learners, staff and visitors during the celebrations, Principal Gerda Saayman reflected on the school’s journey, which began in 1956 with one determined mother seeking specialised education for her son.
“The school’s journey began in 1956, when a mother of a severely intellectually disabled boy took her plight of giving her son specialised schooling to the media, as he could not attend or be educated in mainstream schools like his brothers and sisters,” she said.
With the support of the community — and later the Department of Education — Merryvale School was established.
“Merryvale was founded with vision, courage and a deep commitment to learners with special needs,” she added, paying tribute to the mother whose determination laid the foundation for the school’s enduring legacy.
Today, the school serves 404 learners and continues to expand its services to meet growing community needs. Saayman, who has been principal for three years and has taught at the school for nearly two decades, said the learners remain central to everything the staff do.
“These children keep you humble and grateful, and they teach us so much more than what we can teach them,” she shared. “As staff, we work together to ensure each child reaches their full potential, developing holistically.”
In response to increasing demand, the school recently expanded its support for learners on the autism spectrum. An autism wing was opened two years ago to assist Quest School, which had a long waiting list of learners on the spectrum. The wing now comprises seven classes.
Learners at the school progress through structured phases — from junior phase (ages five to nine) to middle phase, senior phase at 14, and occupational phase from 16 to 18. During the occupational phase, learners are equipped with practical skills including cooking, hairdressing, basic manicures and pedicures, facials, woodwork, car washing and gardening.
“We try to equip them with skills so that they can do something after school,” Saayman explained.
While celebrating the milestone, she acknowledged that sustaining and expanding services requires ongoing financial support. The school hopes to upgrade its playground, particularly to better accommodate learners in the autism wing. The playground was designed by Nelson Mandela University, but funding is still required to bring the project to fruition.
In addition, the school faces monthly utility costs of nearly R160 000 for water and electricity. Installing solar power has become a priority to help reduce expenses and redirect funds towards learner development.
“We receive funding from the Department of Education, but it is not enough to do what we would like to do to help the children reach their full potential,” she shared.
Saayman appealed to the community and local businesses for support, suggesting donations of R70 in honour of the school’s 70 years of service.
“We rely on the community, and we are very grateful for their support in helping us achieve our dreams for the learners.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.