Donata School is currently attended by more than 35 children aged between 6 to 15 years old with disabilities including deaf, partial blindness, mentally retarded, as well as physical disabilities.

Attendance fluctuates daily and can be down to 15-20 children. Reasons include the children being sick, rain, parents not sending the children to school, parents moving away or children getting side tracked on route.

Around half of the children have lost one or both parents and only a quarter of these children have guardians who are employed. Parents and guardians struggle each day to provide the basic necessities for their families and children.

The school provides a place where the children can feel welcome and cared for. Often this is in contrast to the government schools where their special needs are not met, and where they are ostracised or ridiculed.



quotes from the children

Hope: I like school. The reason why I like the school is that I want to know sign language.

Twedi: I like this school because we eat.

Modesta: I love this school because I have to read and write.

Friday: I love this school because it is a place where shelter is being provided. Any person can find shelter at school and learn.

Given: I like this school because we receive love and care.

Precious: I like the school because it provides me with special needs…

Kaunda: I like this school because we sit on desks.

Alic/Alie: I love this school because I am taught how to read and write.

Susan: I like this school because we have books and pencil.

Violet: I like this school because the teachers are good.

Other children say:

We learn nice things
On our way with education
I understand what they teach
I get knowledge