In a heartwarming celebration, the RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities marked 40 years of dedicated service to the community, providing education and support to children with disabilities. This milestone reflects not only the growth of the school but also the resilience of the community that helped build it.
The journey began in 1966 when a determined father, the late S. N. Chetty, approached the Durban Cripple Care Association seeking education and support for his four-year-old daughter who had a disability. Alongside community leaders M. Perumal and paediatrician Dr B. T. Naidoo, Chetty hoped to secure a future for children like his daughter. However, the response reflected the harsh reality of the apartheid era, with discriminatory practices and statutory restrictions denying their request.
Overcoming Adversity
Undeterred, Chetty persisted, and his determination led to a meeting in June 1967, which resulted in the formation of an Indian auxiliary branch dedicated to advocating for children with physical disabilities. By 29 August 1970, the group had established the Natal Indian Cripple Care Association (NICCA), which became independent of the Durban Cripple Care Association. The founding members included Dr. S. Reddy, R. P. Moodley, M. Mia, and T. S. Maharaj.
Despite limited resources and minimal support during apartheid, the organization continued lobbying the government for the establishment of a school for children with disabilities. Over time, NICCA evolved into the Natal Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Disabled (NACROD), now known as the Association for Persons with Disabilities – KwaZulu‑Natal. According to the Western Cape Government, accessibility and inclusivity are essential for creating an equitable society.
A New Era of Inclusion
A significant breakthrough came in 1974 when community leader Raju Periasamy Moodley secured premises at 306 New Germany Road in Clare Estate, through the generosity of the Clare Estate Andhra Vishnu Temple and the Manikum Trusts. Two years later, the Department of Education and Culture approved subsidies, enabling the construction of prefabricated buildings that would accommodate 50 learners and offices for NICCA.
On 1 January 1977, the Spes Nova School for Cerebral Palsied Children opened its doors — providing a vital educational lifeline for children who previously had limited access to specialized schooling. As more children were identified as needing support, the association expanded its services, and today, the RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. For more information on disability rights, visit the United Nations website.
- RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities has been in operation for 40 years
- The school provides education and support to children with disabilities
- The organization has evolved over the years, from NICCA to NACROD and now the Association for Persons with Disabilities – KwaZulu‑Natal
