19 Aug 2014

The executive director of Thuso Rehabilitation Centre (TRC), Mr Moses Kandavazo says negotiations are on going between the centre and some institutions of the SADC region to start a wing, which will train rehabilitation personnel.

Speaking during a graduation ceremony of 25 graduates, Mr Kandavazo said most of their teachers were trained outside the country while on one hand, the country continued to import experts who provided services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, orthopedic services and general therapy.

He said the unit would be a step in the right direction as it would reduce importing of teachers and it would also improve the quality of programmes offered for people living with disability (PLWD).

TRC’s goal was to provide rehabilitation services for the disabled community in Ngamiland and the country at large. The centre also aimed to create opportunities of an independent life for people living with disabilities.

The centre trains people with disabilities for both social and economic empowerment in the following programs; dressmaking, leatherworks, agriculture, sheltered training and weaving. For a period of two years, people are taught these skills which in the end will enable them to make a living off their trades.

“We have started negotiations with institutions within the SADC countries and if it is possible, we want to train teachers here and expand our programs”, he added. 

Mr Kandavazo said they had to ensure that they hire teachers with the right qualifications in special education. 

He also pointed out that the centre had affiliated to Botswana Qualification Authority, stating further that all programs offered are registered and accredited by the authority. 

He said affiliating to the authority is a big achievement as others institutions are still struggling to reach that stage. 

He said TRC could now train up to tertiary level, adding that they produce internal examinations and award learners’ certificate prepared by the centre.

Other achievements of the centre include training of instructors for sign language, taking trainees for industrial attachment with some learners absorbed for employment.

The executive director mentioned that some of the challenges faced by the centre include shortage of classrooms which he said limits intake of students, shortage of staff houses and failure of the job market to absorb graduates.

Mr Kandavazo also appealed to the government, private companies and non-governmental organisation to create job opportunities for people living with disabilities. 

He stated that people with disabilities were human beings just like any other person hence the need to accommodate them in the society.

For his part, TRC’s deputy director, Mr Dickson Samaemo said there is need to assist people with disabilities both socially and economically so that they make meaningful contributions towards national development.

He said people with disabilities need great support so that they move forward, and their needs are high as compared to those of ordinary people. 

He encouraged the public at large to visit some of their sites around the country where they would have the opportunity to meet such and appreciate their challenges. 

Mr Samaemo also appealed to parents to play an active role in their children’s education.  ENDS