10 Dec 2017

Ministry of Basic Education continues to cascade the Inclusive Education Policy (2011) to all stakeholders, including teachers so that there are able to meet the diverse needs of all leaners including those with disabilities.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr  Moisiraele Goya said the ministry had started training teachers on action research to better equip them to assist Special Education Needs (SEN) learners.

In addition, he said they had also developed learners support intervention strategies, which included enrichment programmes such as braille skills, sign language, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and remediation to improve learners performance.

Mr Goya further the ministry ensured that learners reach their full potential and could become effective members of society.

Further, he noted that a total of 378 learners with SEN sat for Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) in 2016 and these include 148 visually impaired, 58 hearing impaired, 150 with learning disabilities and 22 with physical disability.

A total 365 learners with SEN, he said sat for Junior Certificate Examination in 2016 and these include 45 visually impaired, 24 with a hearing impairment and speech problems, 290 with learning disability, four  with physical disabilities and two with intellectual disabilities.

A total of 96 learners with SEN, he said sat for BGCSE and these include 20 with visual impairments, eight each with hearing impairments and physical disabilities while 60 were those with learning disabilities.

Francistown East Member of Parliament, Mr Buti Billy had asked the minister to state the number of special education students who sat for PSLE, JC and BGCSE examination in 2016.

Mr Billy also asked whether the results obtained were satisfactory and if not what measures were undertaken. ENDS