Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
For many learners at Durban’s Open Air School, access to medical care is an essential part of the school day. Thanks to a donation of essential medical equipment from the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) Durban, the school is now better equipped to provide health care.
The handover took place on 23 July at Open Air School in Glenwood, a specialist public school that caters for approximately 260 learners from pre-primary to Grade 12 with special educational needs, including learning, physical and mental disabilities.
The donation included two beds, two medicine cabinets, a portable aspirator, a nebuliser, a stretcher and medicine kidney trays for the school’s sick bay. The equipment will help staff respond more effectively to learners who require medical attention during the school day.
Speaking to Al-Qalam, IMASA Durban and IMA Baytul Nur Chairman, Solly Suleman, said that the organisation was motivated by a desire to ensure that every child has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
He stressed that care should never depend on ability: “Every child deserves to feel safe, seen and supported while at school, regardless of their disability. We wanted to help make their learning experience easier and more dignified.”
Suleman explained that the equipment would strengthen the school’s ability to provide day-to-day medical care. “With beds for rest, a stretcher for emergencies, and tools like a nebuliser and aspirator, the staff will be far more prepared to respond to learners who feel unwell or need immediate attention. It gives both learners and staff peace of mind,” he said.
He told Al-Qalam that meeting the learners was one of the most memorable parts of the visit. He described the visit as “unforgettable”, reflecting on how the IMA Durban team was welcomed with dancing, singing, bright smiles and “the sweetest hugs”. The learners were so full of light and so welcoming. “The hugs, the joy and the happiness were overwhelming in the best way,” he added.
Suleman highlighted that the initiative reflects IMASA’s commitment to serving communities and supporting vulnerable members of society. “At IMASA, we are committed to helping anyone in need, regardless of race, religion, background or ability. Supporting Open Air School is part of living out that commitment and ensuring that even the most vulnerable in our community are cared for,” he said.
He also thanked the school’s staff for their dedication to the learners: “Thank you for the incredible love you pour into these children every single day. You are changing lives.”
When addressing the learners, Suleman thanked them for the warm welcome: “You brought so much joy to our hearts. Keep shining, you are seen, you are loved, and you matter.”
Suleman is confident that the equipment will make a meaningful difference to both learners and staff, strengthening the school’s ability to provide timely medical care when it is needed. The donation is a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to support those who need it most.
Reflecting on the visit, Suleman said that the experience reinforced an important lesson. “This experience reminded us that to give is to receive. We came to give, but we left having received so much more. The kindness of the learners softened our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. It reminded us why we do this work,” he said.
