CAPE TOWN-An eight-year-old school in Ottery hopes to complete its academic year
amid an ongoing battle with the City.
Last month, Otters Creek Junior School (OCJS) on Serissa Street was instructed by the
City to cease operations by Tuesday 11 November (“Future up in the air” People’s Post 28 October).
However, the facility remains operational despite exceeding last week’s deadline.
Administrators fight to complete the year for distressed learners and families.
Founder and managing director of the school Yomna Allie told People’s Post they are determined to defend learners’ rights to complete their education.
OCJS specialises in supporting children with learning disabilities through individual attention and small-class instruction, making the closure particularly devastating for families relying on specialised educational services.
The school operates three campuses serving different age groups: a baby centre for infants
under two, pre-primary for ages two to six, and junior school for Grades 1-7.
“Our last day was meant to be Tuesday 11 November, but we are continuing to allow our learners to complete their academic year. It’s their right and we must defend that right,” Allie said.
It has been an eight-year struggle for municipal compliance that began when Allie purchased the property in 2017.
People’s Post spoke with fellow parents, Waybah Phillips and Nazreen Sonday, to hear
their thoughts on the school hoping to finish the academic year.
Sonday said her 10-year old son is one of the special needs learners at the school. “I’m blessed and grateful. No further comment at this stage,” Sonday said.
Phillips said her children are neurodiverse and require small classes with lots of individual attention.
“The school is busy with exams and will finish the academic year,” she said.
People’s Post asked the City to comment or explain its next step, considering that the deadline for the school to cease operation had elapsed, the municipality responded with the same comment they issued prior and did not wish to elaborate further on the matter.
You must be logged in to post a comment.