Dipontsho Disability Projects has highlighted the importance of inclusive school holiday programmes in providing children with a safe environment while using arts, culture and educational activities to address social challenges in Orange Farm.
The organisation recently hosted its School Holiday Arts and Culture Programme at Extension 2 Hall in Orange Farm on September 24 and 25. The programme catered for children aged seven to 16 and included children with disabilities.
According to Pontoon from Dipontsho Disability Projects, the initiative was built around the message that “disability is not inability” and aimed to show the important role people with disabilities can play in uplifting their communities.
“Holiday programmes are a very important part of creating extracurricular activities and a safe space where we can address some of the social ills faced by young children through edutainment and arts therapy,” said Pontoon.
The programme received support from SA Library, the Department of Social Development’s Children’s Unit, Struggles Theatre Production, the City of Johannesburg and Queen The Empower.
Pontoon said the collaboration between the different organisations reinforces the idea that communities must work together to support and protect children.
“It really does take a village to raise a child. When different organisations and members of the community come together, we can create spaces where children are supported, encouraged and given opportunities to express themselves,” she said.
The initiative is run by persons with disabilities from Orange Farm, who are also working to ensure that people with disabilities are represented in community development programmes.
Pontoon said the organisation also represented the township at the Seth Mazibuko Women’s Summit under the theme “Three Generations of Women 1956–2026”.
Looking ahead, Dipontsho Disability Projects is calling on community members, organisations and potential partners to support its planned Children’s Conference in February 2027.
“We are asking the community and stakeholders to support the Children’s Conference coming up in February 2027. Our children need spaces where their voices can be heard, where they can learn and where they can feel safe and included,” Pontoon said.
Through initiatives such as the holiday programme, Dipontsho Disability Projects hopes to continue promoting inclusion while creating meaningful opportunities for Orange Farm children to learn, socialise and participate in arts and cultural activities.
