‘Provide resources for learners with disabilities’

Mchinji disabilities rehabilitation officer Master Kachule has asked authorities in the district to provide resources to learners with disabilities.

Speaking on Saturday at Mkanda Secondary School during the district’s commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he said at least 2 500 learners with disabilities lack proper learning materials to continue with their education.

“Persons with disabilities face challenges such as attitudinal barriers where people think persons with disabilities cannot be in school, environmental barriers where persons with disabilities cannot access school premises due to unfriendly designs and lack of devices such as wheelchairs,” said Kachule.

He also said persons with disabilities face institutional barriers where schools do not allow them to wear long sleeved shirts.

Kachule has since called on government and other partners in the education sector to pool resources through Mchinji District Education Network to create an enabling environment for learners with disabilities.

On his part, Richard Thindwa, programmes director for Pamodzi Inclusive Education in South East Africa under Rays of Hope, said they are striving to accommodate everyone regardless of their condition.

“Mchinji District has at least 5 000 persons out of which 2 500 are learners. We want to ensure that the policy government has put in place translates into supporting communities with relevant structures to help children with disabilities attain education,” he said.

Mchinji District Disability Forum vice-chairperson Andida Mando said there are several forms of disabilities, including physical and intellectual.

“Some persons with disabilities need wheelchairs and walking sticks. On the other hand, persons with albinism need security and medical attention,” he said.

Mchinji District Council vice-chairperson Harris Chikoti said they will consider the call made during the commemoration and put learners with disabilities as a priority in school bursaries.

In Mchinji, Rays of Hope and other partners, including Fount of Nations, Care and Girls Activists Youth Organisation are working in Waliranji and Mkanda zones through community champions targeting 2 500 learners with disabilities.