‘Invest in inclusive education’

Fountain for Nations has called on government and other stakeholders to increase funding towards inclusive education in Mzimba District.

The organisation’s advocacy and communications officer Connex Kafera said this on Monday at Kaphuta Primary School during a training of local community structures from four education zones in Mzimba South.

He said they were implementing Pamodzi for Inclusive Education in Southern Africa Project to improve the learning environment of special needs learners.

“We are pleased to see positive changes in primary schools in the district as some schools have started constructing resource centres to provide learning materials and playing tools to pupils with special needs,” said Kafera.

He said government needs to increase funding towards inclusive education to empower teachers with skills to teach children with disabilities.

Rhoda Chipeta, a special needs teacher from St Paul’s Primary School, said the training will assist concerned groups to work as a team to create a conducive environment for learners with disabilities.

“Inclusive schools that provide appropriate conditions for learning demonstrate far better outcomes,” she said.

Chipeta further said it was important to ensure that teachers receive proper training and resources to teach children with diverse needs.

She called on community members to ensure that early childhood education centres and schools receive adequate and sustainable financial help to support inclusive education.

The organisation is also implementing the project in Lilongwe, Dowa, Mchinji, Zomba and Blantyre to promote inclusive education in primary schools.