White River – The Mpumalanga Department of Education has concluded a two-day Indaba to ensure that people living with disabilities have access to quality education.
The Indaba, held at Nomanini Lodge in White River, near Mbombela, also included reviewing a progress report on the stock of advancement courses for learners living with disabilities.
During his keynote address, Mpumalanga education MEC, Bonakele Majuba said the province already has 18 special schools with a collective enrolment of more than 5 000 learners.
“We are here to discuss how we can improve the lives of people living with disabilities in Mpumalanga through the delivery of quality education,” Majuba said.
“As we speak, there are 18 special schools with a total enrollment of 5 174 learners and about 500 teachers.
“The special schools cater for several learners who require moderate, intensive care and support.”
The MEC added: “They serve as a vehicle for the department to remove barriers to access and improve the participation of children with disabilities in educational programmes.”
Estralita Special School, Tsakane Special School in Bohlabela district, and Osizweni Special School in Nkangala district are some of the special schools Majuba mentioned.
“These special schools help in forging support and empowerment for children living with disabilities to free their potential,” Majuba said.
“We need to ensure that all children living with disabilities have access to quality education regardless of their social status.”
Majuba said the department was “working hard” to finish up the building of the special school for the deaf and blind learners in Emalahleni (Witbank).
“The delay in the completion of the construction of this school was caused by issues relating to the availability of a proper land to carry out this project,” Majuba said.
