21 Jan 2016

The Ministry Education and Skills Development appreciates the artefacts done by graduates of 2015 Block Training Transition Programme (BTTP) for learners with intellectual disabilities.

This came after 69 learners with intellectual disabilities from 26 primary schools special units across different regions graduated under the programme at Matsha Lifelong Training Centre in Kang in December.

The learners demonstrated outstanding potential and performance in areas such as beadwork, flower arrangement, horticulture, hospitality, leatherwork, pottery, paper mache and textiles.

The initiative is meant to serve as a transition strategy for learners with intellectual disabilities who have overgrown primary school.

Speaking at the Block Training Transition Programme exhibition recently, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Fidelis Molao said they appreciate that “disability is not inability,” and that when they talk about developing a person they talk of giving somebody life skills.

“This is a clear demonstration of what we can do and a clear testimony that we couldn’t leave anybody behind, and parents out there who may be having children with any kind of disability that they did not hide behind their houses, they took them out and created this kind of opportunity for them, to help them transform their lives,” said Mr Molao. 

The assistant minister applauded the Department of Special Support Services (DSSS), stakeholders, learners and the parents for a job well done.

 He also urged them to give the programme meaningful support necessary to demonstrate to the public that everyone, irrespective of their status, can play a role in the economy.

In his welcome remarks, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Richard Matlhare said their vision and focus was on skilling the nation and inclusive education.

“The work that we are just about to witness is a contribution towards that noble objective, we talk skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation and we want to prove that through this marvelous work done by a group of our 69 graduates,” said Mr Matlhare.

For his part, one the programme graduates, Mr Tshepo Kgatwane hailed the programme, adding through he was now able to contribute meaningfully in his family by taking care of his parent, brothers and sisters.  Ends