By Staff Reporter
Primary School Head Teachers have proposed that special needs education schools remain closed until the Corona Virus situation normalizes.
Through presentations made by the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA), the administrators warned that the learners with special needs are vulnerable to very many diseases.
In proposals that are likely to draw mixed reactions from supporters of inclusive education, KEPSHA further argues that those categories should not sit national examinations.
“Learners with disability should be allowed to stay away from school until when the conditions improve,” the association argues.
Their views were presented to the COVID-19 Education Response Committee by KEPSHA National Chairman Nicholas Gathemia,
The Sara Ruto led committee will have a difficult time to weigh into the KEPSHA recommendations given the major strides the country has made in enhancing inclusive education.
They submitted that special needs schools face a lot of challenges and the situation would be complicated if they are reopened.
“It is not easy to have children living with disability wear masks all the time during school hours,” it offers.
KEPSHA stated that the learners may not be able to follow instructions meant to reduce Covid-19 infections and that schools cannot afford frequent testing and ensuring enough rest for care givers.
Other items required include tissues, serviettes for wiping nose and mouth, disposable equipment, hand sanitizers, cleaning wheelchairs and tables constantly.
If implemented, this might be a setback to efforts to enhance inclusive education and society in the country, which is advanced by the Government and other stakeholders.
The National Survey on Children with Disabilities and Special Needs in Education conducted between 2016 and 2017, shows that 11 per cent of all learners in Kenya have one or another form of disability.
Latest data indicates that there are about 16 million learners in Kenya’s basic institutions among them one million with different special needs.
The recommendations are expected to guide Education Cabinet Secretary develop a number of policy interventions in the reopening of the schools during the Corona virus period.
