Luzuko Pongoma

Luzuko Pongoma

An early Christmas party and a mobile zoo brought joy to pupils at a Johannesburg school for the visually impaired.

The party, held over the weekend, was hosted at the Sibonile School for Visually Impaired Pupils in Kliprivier, and the highlight was having the zoo come to them.

Principal Bafedi Moruthane said the party was significant because it rewarded pupils for their hard work throughout the year.

Moruthane said that almost half of the pupils in the school came from poor families.

"For them it is a real Christmas because when they go home they will not receive presents because of the financial difficulties," she said.

She said the mobile zoo came in handy because the school did not have money to take the children to visit their favourite animals at the zoo.

"When children learn about animals, they grow up loving them instead of killing them when they grow older," said Johannesburg Zoo educational supervisor Lawrence Letshokgowa.

"Some might even make careers out of taking care of animals and the environment."

Grade 8 pupil Rudzani Mudzanani said the party was a great way to end the year.

Teacher Sibongile Hlubi said she felt great because the party would show pupils that teachers were also human and enjoyed having fun.

"We are always trying to teach a good way of life and sometimes the environment is too formal. Today I can teach pupils a thing or two on the dance floor," she said.

The party was sponsored by U win I win, an incentives company, and Jicama 89, a non-profit organisation.