THE SEAL ACADEMY FOR INTELLECTUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN PROVIDES A THERAPEUTIC EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO HELP DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT WRITES LEE CURRIE
There are many stories of successful entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and others who are intellectually impaired. Rather than being hidden in a corner or written off by society, they have made their mark as successful people who have reached their full potential – often beyond. Chances are many of them had caring folk behind them, lighting the way.
This was exactly what Liza Hall, mother of 13-year-old Matthew who has Down Syndrome, was determined to achieve for her son as well as for other children with this genetic disorder. More than just reach their full potential, she wanted to empower them with confidence and self- worth. She also wanted to create awareness of Down Syndrome within the community, breaking down the barriers that sadly tend to isolate the intellectually disabled.
In 2017, Liza, together with teacher Sandy Drew, founded The SEAL Academy (an acronym for Social Expressive Arts and Learning) in Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North. Earlier this year, the academy – after moving to bigger premises – opened its doors to welcome learners with other forms of intellectual impairment.
While academic subjects may not be their priority, the arts and sports can certainly level the playing field. The academy shines a light on social and expressive arts where the learners can excel at sports, drawing, painting, acting or dancing, bringing colour and excitement into their lives and a creative area without boundaries. There are currently three teachers working hands-on with seven learners, aged from six to 13, while Liza takes care of the school’s marketing.
“Not only do the arts provide a great means of self expression and creativity, it helps our children to cope with life’s challenges and gain confidence. Every child is given a tailored curriculum to suit their personal intellectual ability. This allows the learners to grow and learn at their own pace and ability, while being guided and challenged by our staff,” explains principal Bee Boaden.
“Our progress with our children is always slow, with small steps which can be huge for them – and for us. For example, our non-verbal young learners are learning to use Makaton sign language to communicate, even if only mastering
one or two signs. And the speech of one of our little ones has improved so much in the last term. SEAL has a loving supportive environment so that each learner blossoms in their own way. Being small the school allows for the children to have their own quirky characters and grow to the person they want to be – at their own rate. While we would like to grow the school, we’ll always keep it small enough allowing the teachers to be hands-on with all our learners,”
Long-term plans are to create facilities for older learners, equipping them for future employment and to develop footprint branches of the SEAL Academy in other neighbourhoods.
“We’ll continue to be active in our community to help break down the barriers and stigma towards the intellectually impaired,” says Bee.
GET INVOLVED
Donations of puzzles and educational resources welcome.
Bee Boaden: 084 555 9596; www.thesealacademy.co.za