07 Dec 2020

Some Moremi Primary School special unit teachers are hopeful that the construction of a centre for children with severe and multiple disabilities in Maun will address challenges faced by children with disabilities.

The school has a special class which accommodates children with intellectual disabilities and teachers revealed in an interview that the unit was marred with challenges such as congestion, shortage of classrooms, teachers and transport for children among others.

Persons with intellectual disabilities have limitations in cognitive functioning and skills including communication, social and self-care skills.

Teachers appreciated efforts by the North West District Council to assist where possible, including transport and believed that the centre would be an answer to the challenges faced by pupils, as it was reported that it would have boarding facilities.

Head of Department, Mr Molatlhegi Kadira revealed that the centre would relief Moremi primary school the congestion, as it had been the only school catering for children with intellectual disabilities.

He said the unit was congested as it had five classrooms, with each having two classes and two teachers. The school has one vehicle, which transports children across Maun, he added.

The driver, he said, started picking them around 4am until 9am, adding that at times pupils stayed long hours at school waiting to be transported and that compromised their rest time.

Mr Kadira also noted that the children needed a physiotherapist to help them exercise as well as to offer manual therapy education and advice. The pupils, he said were taught practical work on daily basis and their performance was fluctuating.

He said they were taught some basics skills such as feeding themselves, putting on shoes and how to behave. He also acknowledged that some parents were supportive while some were still in denial and depended much on council assistance to ensure their children had access to education.

Special education senior teacher, Mr Oarabile Kasara concurred that children with intellectual disabilities faced challenges compared to those with hearing disabilities and believed that the centre would address them.

Those with hearing disabilities, he said could sit for standard seven examinations because there was  an interpreter as compared to those with intellectual disability. 

He added that such children were challenged to fit in the market and the society after completion of their studies unlike their counterparts who transited to vocational schools.

Meanwhile, construction of the centre is ongoing and it is expected to be completed by February 2022. The project comprises of administration block, conference centres, academic blocks, accommodation blocks, ablution blocks, dining hall, hydrotherapy rooms and therapy rooms with kitchen among others. 

Thamalakane North area councillor, Ms Gakologelwang Bethia appreciated the good work by special education teachers and motivated them not to undermine their efforts. She said they were doing a wonderful job by moulding innocent souls into responsible people and urged them to soldier on despite the challenges they encountered. 

Ms Bethia acknowledged that it could be overwhelming to teach an intellectual child but expressed gratitude that the school was doing well in terms of performance. 

The council, she said would continue to support the school and assist where possible. Ends