History, Vision, Mission
History:
This centre of excellence for the teaching and training of learners with special educational needs had a very humble origin. Reverent Kriel was elected as chairman of the 14th General Committee eleven years after the death of his 16-year-old son, Jan, who suffered from epilepsy. After a decision was made that the teaching of the children of the Jan Kriel House and School will now be covered by the Department of Education, the committee bought the old rectory in Kuils River in 1936 from the Dutch Reformed Church.
It was Mrs Kriel’s dedication and hard work that led to the official initiation of the institution on May 4, 1937. She was a remarkable woman who encouraged people from across the country with her faith and passion to get involved with the cause of the children of Jan Kriel School. Funds were urgently needed to appoint staff, to set up buildings and to take care of the growing number of children. In 1939 they acquired a plot of farmland and the boys were stationed in the cowshed while the horse stables were furnished to be used as the New School.
In 1942 the Dutch Reformed Church took over the management of the institution and the cooperation between the Department of Education and the Jan Kriel Institute, as it is known today, is born. This follows the systematic development of infrastructure and expansion of support structures, which currently offer opportunities to approximately 550 learners.
Specialized tuition and expertise will always be expensive, but after more than 80 years we still believe in its value. A child referred to us will not be rejected due to financial incapacity or religious beliefs.
Vision:
We develop potential: Where learners with barriers to learning are empowered for the future.
Mission:
To live out our vision by:
- establishing partnerships within the school community and maintain them in the best interests of the learner
- promoting a value-driven approach to teaching
- holistically teaching and supporting each learner, according to his or her unique needs
- creating a safe and secure school environment
Our core values include:
- Hard work
- Obedience
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Unity
- Fairness
- Honesty
- Caring
- Citizenship
- Reliability
- Compassion