31 May 2021

Director of basic education in the north east region, Mr Labane Mokgosi has emphasised the importance of being engaged in the lives of children with intellectual disabilities.

Speaking during a family health forum organised by Special Olympics Botswana in partnership with the Francistown Lion’s Club recently, Mr Mokgosi said individuals with intellectual disabilities should be allowed to participate in recreational activities for their growth and to learn the basics of life.

“We need to help them learn how to provide for themselves so that they do not remain a burden for others,” he said.

He urged parents to join forces with government to ensure that the intellectually disabled acquired the skills that would make them part of the community.

He noted that individuals with disabilities experienced difficulty in learning, memory, problem-solving and adaptive behaviour. 

A mental health nurse, Ms Kgomotso Kebatswere said intellectual disability was not curable. She also said disability should not be looked at as an illness or a sentence to a miserable life.

“Families should be aware of all the special needs a child might need so they know how to best take care of them,” she said. 

 Ms Kebatswere also said the first three months of pregnancy were most important for the formation of a child’s brain. 

On the diagnoses of disability, she said any challenged child should undergo an oral test on their problem-solving as well as communication and understanding skills. 

Mr Lebesani Baeletsi, who has an intellectual disability, called upon government to consider setting aside a special programme dedicated to those with intellectual disabilities in order to make it possible for them to benefit from government programmes.

The event was held under the theme: An informed parent: Key to an inclusive culture for learners with intellectual disabilities.ends