We, at Blouvlei School, provide a holistic education programme to learners with special educational needs.

The holistic education approach recognises the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. In fact, we consider the physical, psychological and social skills of our learners and treat every learner as a unique individual.

Even though our learners are intellectually impaired, every single pupil has her/his own needs, strengths and weaknesses. Consequently, we are committed to considering them as individuals.

Since our learners are intellectually impaired our access to the learners is more focused on physical skills, creativity and improving the learners’ self esteem & confidence so that they can achieve their goals. Rather than having our emphasis on teaching academic skills.

Nevertheless, we want to support the growth and development of our learners as effective as possible and, therefore, we use the holistic vision.

There are 180 learners at Blouvlei, ranging from 6 to 21 years old. They come from throughout the Southern Peninsula of Cape Town, South Africa.

Who are those learners?

• children with disabilities for varied reasons - genetics, chromosome, accidents, abuse, birth, alcoholism (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome), infections, malnutritions
• children from families of varied income levels, 90% from sub-economic households
• children from informal housing settlements in Phillipi Farm Community and the Phillipi corridor
• Approximately 60% of the children's parents are unemployed (about 50% hereof are from single parent families).
  Some parents have little or no formal education, some are in prison and others are battling with addiction.
• A few parents are very involved and actively help the school. Other parents are still struggling to come to terms with their children's disability. Teachers sometimes feel that parents see Blouvlei as a 'dumping ground'.

What happens after finishing at Blouvlei School?

• Once the learners are 18 years old some move onto the protective workshop at Cafda.
• A few learners have been able to move into the formal labour market.
• Blouvlei has been marketing the learners to small local businesses.