On Wednesday,7th of June, 2023, the North West Department of Education MEC Viola Motsumi led the official sod-turning ceremony to mark the beginning of the Coligny Special School Boarding Project.
With a budget allocation of R 268 million, this project aims to demolish the asbestos buildings in the special school and replace them with high-quality accommodations for the learners.
The initiative is expected to improve the living conditions and dignity of the learners while also boosting the economy of Coligny through job opportunities, particularly for young individuals who already possess the necessary qualifications. Around 300 residents will be employed during the construction phase.
MEC Motsumi emphasized that this project signifies the fulfilment of the commitment made to the communities during her maiden Budget Speech in May.
She expressed gratitude for the involvement of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as the implementing agent for this multimillion-rand endeavour.
“I urge all parties involved to ensure the project progresses smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications or delays. Collaboration between the provincial and local governments is expected, with active participation from the community.”
“The North West Department of Education recognizes the importance of investing in infrastructure to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environments and to meet the increasing demand for new schools in the province. The construction of the Coligny Special School project is estimated to be completed within 30 months,” said Motsumi.
Coligny Special School falls under the category of Special Needs Education according to the Department of Education's categorization system. Additionally, it is considered a Special Needs Education Centre based on the Performance Indicators established by the Provincial Education Department (PED). Special schools like Coligny Special School cater to the educational needs of children with special needs or disabilities who cannot be adequately supported in mainstream settings, as their parents or guardians agreed upon.
