Learners at Seven Steps Academy for the Deaf in Zonnebloem will now travel to school safely and comfortably after the school received a donated bus valued at R1,4 million, replacing their old vehicle.

The bus was donated by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT), a non-profit organisation that provides funding for assets, services and other resources to approved public benefit organisations.

Seven Steps Academy for the Deaf is the only oral academic combined school for Deaf learners in Cape Town.

Faried Boltman, an SAMCT representative, said that after learning that learners faced significant barriers because of unsafe, unreliable, or unaffordable transport, the organisation decided to intervene.

“The logistics crisis at Seven Steps Academy for the Deaf directly undermined the proper education and overall well-being of its learners.

“We, of the SAMCT, believed that a new and dedicated bus would offer safe, accessible transport, drastically improve punctuality and attendance, while also relieving financial pressure on the families of learners here.”

Unsafe streets, unreliable wheels

Marina Paioni, acting deputy principal at the academy, said there are 112 learners registered at the school from areas across Cape Town.

“Most of our learners must travel to school using public transport. Because they can’t hear, they wear hearing devices. Some of them have been mugged because muggers mistake their hearing devices for earphones.”

She said the 46-seater bus is a welcome relief for the school, as their previous bus was frequently unreliable.

“This bus is a lifesaver. Now we have access to reliable transport for our learners to and from school.”
Paioni said most learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and that the school continues to struggle with a lack of funding.

“We are so appreciative to the SAMCT for this generous donation. Funding is so important for schools but yet not easy to get. We are grateful that they (Trust) chose us.”

Building independence

Boltman said the school does amazing work, encouraging the learners to be independent and to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and respect for others in the environment.

“It strives to ensure learners here successfully acquire skills of learning and communication and enjoy experiences that have the effect of expanding their critical thought processes and allow for a sense of appreciation of the world around them.”

He added that the academy is dedicated to the protection and education of its deaf learners and, therefore, safe transport had remained an “insurmountable challenge”.

“We believe this reliable new school bus will provide safe and accessible transport for deaf learners, especially those from outer lying or high-risk areas, improving attendance and punctuality levels…

“We are confident that our gesture will contribute towards the key principle of promoting equity and dignity, ensuring that every child, regardless of socio-economic background, has improved access to a quality and inclusive education,” concluded Boltman.

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