Among only 27 organisations worldwide, Pretoria’s own Eduplex has just been recognised by FIFA for doing something truly beautiful: making sure no child is left behind.
Pretoria, South Africa (05 June 2026) – At the heart of Pretoria’s Eduplex School is a beautiful commitment to inclusive education.
Here, young children with hearing impairments don’t learn in isolation. They are welcomed into mainstream classrooms, learning to speak, listen, and thrive alongside their hearing peers. This is made possible through a seamless blend of advanced technology and dedicated, on-site audiology support.
It is exactly this advanced yet compassionate approach that has caught the world’s attention. Eduplex has been named a beneficiary of the prestigious FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund – becoming one of only 27 organisations globally, and one of just two schools in South Africa, to receive this honour.
The Fund recognises organisations that create meaningful opportunities for children through education and sport, and highlights Eduplex’s internationally respected approach to inclusive education.
The funding will support bursaries for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and help ensure that more children have access to the opportunities offered at Eduplex.
Founded by Nico van der Merwe, Eduplex has spent more than 30 years challenging traditional thinking about education and demonstrating how children of different abilities can learn, grow and succeed together. What began as a bold vision has evolved into a model that is now recognised and studied internationally.
Today, the school is home to more than 820 learners from Grade 0000 to Grade 12. What makes the school unique is its inclusive approach, in which 3-4 deaf children are included in every class and learn alongside their hearing peers without sign language.
Over the years, Eduplex has become internationally recognised for this innovative model and has welcomed educators, therapists and healthcare professionals from more than 50 countries who have come to be trained in the Eduplex model of inclusion.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund award is a celebration of what has been achieved over three decades and an encouragement to continue expanding opportunities for future generations of South African learners.
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This Joburg Bookshop is Putting South African Storytellers and Readers First!Reflecting on the recognition, founder Nico van der Merwe said:
“This award belongs to every learner, parent, teacher and supporter who has believed in the power of inclusion. We are honoured by this international recognition and encouraged that our work in South Africa is helping to inspire educational thinking around the world.”
For more information about Eduplex, visit www.eduplex.co.za
Sources: Supplied
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