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Learners from the Oasis School in Belhar recently went on a special visit to Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Anandi Spies, spokesperson for Oasis, says the staff of Kirstenbosch went out of their way to accommodate the learners who are on the autism spectrum by introducing them to the gardens with interactive activities.
“The learners were given the opportunity to integrate all senses with a touch, smell and see different seasonal plants, and by rubbing the leaves between their fingers the learners could smell the lemon fragrance of the leaves which do not really have a smell when it is wild in nature. After our ‘feel and smell’ experience we had the opportunity to paste small wild flowers on a card to take home as a souvenir.”
According to Spies the interaction of the staff was exceptional and they will recommend that all schools with learners with special needs make use of this wonderful experience.
“The highlight of the day was when we walked over the swaying bridge and the teachers were the ones nearly in tears while the children could not get enough of this moving bridge under their feet. The learners absolutely loved this left to right swaying after a steep little climb to the epic moment of pleasure on the bridge. We cannot thank the staff of Kirstenbosch enough for their exceptional programme for learners with special needs and the way in which they have planned the day from morning until lunch time.”
