Afrika Tikkun Bambanani pioneers inclusive education
For three decades, Afrika Tikkun has been a beacon of hope and transformation in South Africa, touching the lives of thousands of children and individuals. Founded by Dr Bertie Lubner and the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, this organisation embodies the Jewish principle of “Tikkun Olam”, the imperative to repair the world. Through its holistic Cradle-to-Career (C2C) approach and internationally certified Early Childhood curriculum, Afrika Tikkun has become a symbol of empowerment and opportunity for countless individuals in need.
Thirty years ago, Bertie Lubner had a vision – a vision to make a meaningful difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Fuelled by his deep-rooted Jewish values of compassion and justice, Lubner established Afrika Tikkun with a mission to uplift, educate and empower. His tireless dedication and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for what would become one of the most impactful social development organisations in the country.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Marc Lubner has taken the helm at Afrika Tikkun. Under his leadership, the organisation has not only sustained its vital programmes but also expanded its reach and impact.
At the heart of Afrika Tikkun’s work lies the concept of Tikkun Olam – the Jewish belief in the responsibility of every individual to contribute to the repair and healing of the world. Through its comprehensive programmes spanning education, healthcare, and socio-economic development, Afrika Tikkun embodies this timeless principle in action. By equipping children and young adults with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future, the organisation is not just offering assistance but empowering individuals to become agents of change in their own lives and communities.
Afrika Tikkun’s Cradle-to-Career model is premised on laying a firm foundation and continuing the education journey right through to young adulthood. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani (ATB) is the vehicle through which we carry out the vital underpinning of Early Childhood Development (ECD). ATB founders, Theresa Michael (Chief Executive Officer) and Tessa Forman (Chief Operating Officers), are the driving force behind ATB’s Department of Basic Education approved and internationally accredited curriculum. ATB’s innovative curriculum not only caters to learners aged 1-6 years but equally equips practitioners with tools for inclusive education.
No child should be left behind, especially in the pursuit of quality education
ATB’s inclusion in the classroom stands as a paramount objective, resonating with the right to education; particularly as we commemorate Human Rights Month. The organisation’s regular training initiatives undeniably fortify its commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or diverse needs, has equal access to educational opportunities. Through its outreach initiatives, ATB is entrenched in over 250 underprivileged communities across parts of South Africa. In the Western Cape, specifically, ATB has implemented its ECD programme in 32 centres across the Western Cape: Kensington, Mfuleni and Plettenberg Bay.
Training for inclusive education: a guiding motto
By training teachers in inclusive education, ATB aims to eliminate barriers that may hinder children with disabilities or diverse needs from experiencing the transformative power of education. This approach aligns seamlessly with the organisation’s guiding motto: “No child should be left behind.”
ATB embraces the principle of inclusivity as a fundamental right for all children, and our commitment to inclusive education extends beyond training. The organisation actively contributes to the development of a curriculum that promotes inclusivity and covers all essential aspects of a child’s development. By incorporating these elements, ATB strives to provide a well-rounded education that caters to the unique needs of every child. This aligns perfectly with the broader human rights theme, emphasising the right to education for all.
Impactful strides in rural ECD centres
ATB trainers are now better prepared to usher in positive change in the rural Early Childhood Development centres they serve. Through their unwavering dedication and commitment to inclusive education, ATB and its trainers have made a tangible impact on the lives of 20,000 children in 2023, ensuring that no child is left behind in their pursuit of inclusive education and a brighter future.
In 2023, in a dedicated step towards fostering inclusive education, ATB trainers completed a transformative training programme at Johannesburg’s Bellavista School, a global Centre for Excellence in education. Armed with a diverse range of strategies and techniques acquired through internationally researched inclusion training, ATB trainers are set to collaborate closely with rural ECD centres, sharing their expertise and supporting the implementation of inclusive practices in classrooms.
Expansion into Western Cape: a pioneering effort
In a pioneering effort in Mfuleni, in the Western Cape, ATB is mainstreaming children with severe disabilities into ECD centres and primary schools. This initiative, in partnership with Sabrina Love and The Learning Initiative, reflects ATB’s commitment to expanding inclusive practices beyond Gauteng. Plans are underway to establish this project as a model for mainstream inclusion in the Cape, fostering collaboration with national and Western Cape Departments of Education.
Continuous upskilling and global certification
ATB trainers undergo monthly upskilling in inclusion practices, aligning with global trends. Their recent certification with Education Alliance Finland is a testament to the team’s commitment to maintaining high standards of training.
As we celebrate Afrika Tikkun’s 30th anniversary, these strides in inclusive education exemplify the organisation’s unwavering dedication to transforming lives and creating a future where no child is left behind, for 30 years and beyond.
• Published in the March 2024 issue – Click here to start reading.
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