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Education has been an integral part of the service delivery at St Joseph's Home since its inception in 1935.
In the early years the children who were bedridden were taught from their beds whilst those who were ambulant sat at desks at the end of their beds. Initially the children were taught by the Nuns. While undergoing medical treatment and nursing care the children received primary education.
In 1986, thanks to a large donation from Germany the Home was able to build a fully fledged Primary school. A separate school building was erected between the Home and the playgrounds providing classrooms for grades 1 to 8 as well as a library. Up to then the children had been taught in the medical wards.
In 2004 the schools status changed from a hospital school to a special school. For the first time the school opened its doors to learners with learning and medical disabilities from the surrounding neighbourhoods.
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It also became an HIV/Aids resource centre.
Currently, the school has 190 pupils made up of patients and children from the surrounding communities. All the children who attend the school are either chronically ill or have severe learning problems. We also run a special unit for 20 severely mentally retarded children.
The school is managed by a principal, together with 18 teachers, 4 therapists, 5 class assistants and 4 administrative and support staff. The school Governing Body plays an active role in overseeing the functioning of the School. The school is accountable to the Western Cape Education Dept. It has a Catholic Ethos and is a member of the Catholic School's Board.
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St. Joseph's Home for Children
St. Joseph's Home for Children