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A word from our PRO

THUTHUKANI SPECIAL SCHOOLRef: https://www.thuthukani.org.za/a-word-from-our-pro/

Official source

Source domain: thuthukani.org.za

Collected on 29 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 29 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a webpage section titled “A word from our PRO” from Thuthukani Special School. It describes the school’s mission and vision, including the meaning of its Zulu words (“Thuthukani” = Progress/Moving forward; “Mawukhanye” = to let your light shine) and its approach to educating learners with intellectual disability using curriculum tools such as CLASSIC, CAPS Gr R to 5 (for Severe Intellectual Disability), and a Learning Plan (for Profound Intellectual Disability). It also lists achievements and recognitions, including Paul Harris Fellowship recipients, National Teaching Awards participation, a 2025 leadership award, Special Olympics representation, research participation, and Department of Education recognition. The page states that in 2020 the school changed its motto to “Changing Lives.”

Facts

Reference

https://www.thuthukani.org.za/a-word-from-our-pro/

Key Takeaways

  • Document type: webpage section “A word from our PRO”
  • Location: Thuthukani Special School is outside Empangeni in Zululand (near sugarcane)
  • Meaning of “Thuthukani”: Zulu word meaning “Progress” or “Moving forward”
  • Meaning of “Mawukhanye”: “to let your light shine”
  • Curriculum tools mentioned: CLASSIC; CAPS Gr R to 5 for Severe Intellectual Disability; Learning Plan for Profound Intellectual Disability
  • Motto change in 2020: from “a Special Place for Special Kids” to “Changing Lives”
  • Paul Harris Fellowship recipients: Joanna James (founder), Marthie Combrinck (Principal), Tanya Girvin
  • National Teaching Awards: entered in 2016, 2022, 2023; success up to Provincial level
  • 2025 award: Marthie Combrinck won National Section on Special School Leadership
  • Special Olympics: two learners represented South Africa; an occupational therapist selected to coach children with various disabilities
  • Recognition: Department of Education recognition on a regular basis for various programs
  • Thuthukani Special School
  • Tanya Girvin
  • Joanna James
  • Marthie Combrinck
  • Rotary International
  • Paul Harris Fellowship
  • National Teaching Awards
  • Special Olympics World Games
  • Department of Education
  • Vietnam (conference location)