Supporting disability inclusiveness through The Johannesburg Society for The Blind and Joburg Child Welfare Thembalethu Play Project


By Lindelwa Masuku

The Johannesburg Society for The Blind and Joburg Child Welfare Thembalethu Play Project are teaming up to produce an inclusive production aimed at promoting social cohesiveness and inclusivity among young people, with a special focus on disability communities.

This project is not only providing a platform for individuals with disabilities to have their voices heard, but it is also offering a unique learning experience for both disabled and abled youth. 

However, they need your help to make it happen. Your support and donations can make a significant difference in the lives of these young people and contribute to building a more inclusive society.

The Johannesburg Society for the Blind and Joburg Child Welfare Thembalethu Play Project collaboration is a noteworthy initiative that aims to promote inclusivity, diversity, and community advocacy.

The Stories We See


This project is the brainchild of Gcebile Dlamini, a director, actress, and social activist who is passionate about theatre programs that add value to society and where everyone is given equal opportunities regardless of their gender, race, disabilities, age, environment, sexuality, and financial state.

The project involves participants with visual impairments from the Johannesburg Society for the Blind and residents of The Joburg Child Welfare Centre Thembalethu Play Project. The production, called "The Stories We See," aims to spark discussions among the youth and communities on social cohesiveness and inclusivity. Since there are few inclusive schools, activities, and platforms to teach young people about disabilities, the production places special emphasis on community advocacy. 

The project aims to raise awareness of disability communities among young people by broadening their understanding and teaching them about community inclusion so that individuals with disabilities can have their views heard.

The tour not only exposes the cast to different art forms but also motivates them to learn more about these art approaches. Traveling with disabled and abled youth will be a learning experience, especially for the abled youth, to learn even more about disabilities. 

They will also get an opportunity to travel to the nearest beach, which most of them have never seen. The biggest motivation for the tour is that the amount for this journey ultimately covers one or two fortunate young people's school fees, which will give twenty-five young people an experience of a lifetime.

The Joburg Child Welfare Thembalethu Play Project is a programme based in the Johannesburg CBD, at the Old Drill Hall building. The programme falls under the Child Abuse Treatment and Training Services, funded by the Department of Social Development under the Sustainable Livelihoods Programme. The Sustainable Livelihoods Programme puts emphasis on strengthening the capacity of the poor to enable them to take initiatives to secure their own livelihoods. 

The objective of the programme is to reduce poverty and inequality by generating employment amongst poor households into sustainable livelihoods and toward economic stability. The center also runs an after-school program called the Inner City Play Project, whose primary focus is to assist and develop children from the Inner City. 

Its main activities include sports, life skills, play training, child-led activities, art classes (including dance, drama, and music), and homework assistance.

The Stories We See

The Johannesburg Society for the Blind (JSB) is a non-profit organization that depends on donor funding to cater to the needs of blind and partially sighted persons regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. 

JSB was founded in 1926 to help civilians who were blinded during World War One, by providing them with accommodation, employment, rehabilitation, and skills of daily living, orientation, and mobility. Over the years, the organization has strengthened its mandate by focusing more on building capacity among the visually impaired youths so that they may also play a role in the development of South Africa.

The Stories We See production is an inspiring initiative that sheds light on the need for more inclusive platforms for individuals with disabilities. It is a testament to the power of collaboration between organizations and individuals with different backgrounds and goals. 

This production has the potential to impact the lives of many individuals and communities and bring about positive change. It is imperative that we support organizations like The Johannesburg Society for the Blind and The Joburg Child Welfare Thembalethu Play Project, as they play a crucial role in building a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

Below is a link to a full performance 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48gB44UKWq8&t=444s


Article Tags

Gcebile Dlamini

Thembalethu Play Project

The Johannesburg Society for The Blind and Joburg Child Welfare

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