Concerns have been raised over the lack of day special schools in the North Rift region.
Women leaders from the region lamented that the lack has hampered the education of the learners over the years.
Led by Joy Kirwa, they said disabled learners have been travelling far in search of education, and they say this needs to be addressed.
“Disabled learners have many needs and must study near their homes. However, we don’t have day special schools in this region,” she said.
Speaking in Kapsabet town, she highlighted the problems facing parents with disabled children, which include financial constraints and day-to-day pressure.
Kirwa observed that many special schools are boarding schools, which she says have made it difficult for parents to take children below 6 to the institutions owing to their needs.
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“Parents with disabled children grapple with many needs, which include financial constraints and day-to-day pressure. Most special schools here are boarding, and it is difficult for parents to take disabled children aged below 6 years to such schools,” said Kirwa.
Caroline Bett, for her part, noted that ECDE centres for pupils going through the regular curriculum had been prioritised. At the same time, those special needs learners have been neglected, a trend she described as discriminatory.
Although all children are equal, we see that ECDE centres for pupils going through the regular curriculum have been prioritised, while those of disabled children have been neglected. This is totally unacceptable,” stated Bett.
The leaders now want a day special school set up in each ward. They say this move will not only give the learners a chance to study but also enable their parents to engage in other activities.
By Kimutai Langat
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