He likes routines,” said Ona’s guardian, who did not wish to be named and asked that the boy be identified by his first name only. I think he’s feeling at home.”Before coming to Ireland, Ona’s aunt said she was working as a real estate agent in Johannesburg. South Africa has a history of criminal syndicates “hijacking” buildings that are often neglected or dilapidated, and renting them out illegally. Ona’s school and guardian share a concern that returning to South Africa would spell the end of essential special needs assistance for him. Researchers suggested that between 500,000 and 600,000 children with special needs were not in formal education in South Africa.

Source: The Irish Times February 27, 2026 15:52 UTC