The Ministry of Education takes seriously the inclusion of the learners with special needs and disabilities. That is why there are special interventions to make sure that these children are able to access quality education like their peers without disabilities.
The Director Special Needs Education Fred Haga made the remarks on the official closing ceremony for the Term (1) One games for learners with special needs (SNE) in Nakuru Thursday.
Mr Haga said the Ministry places alot of emphasis on these learners in all its programmes that’s why next term, the ball games and all other co-curricullar activities including music and Drama among other creative arts will be held.
He nited that co-curricullar activities are critical to the development and education of all learners especially special needs and disabilities due to its therapeutic nature that fosters learning of other skills like teamwork etcetera.
“CBC sports is a clearly identified pathway and we would like to give learners the opportunity to develop their different skills and talents and represent this country even at the international level.” Said Haga.
Some of the things that the Ministry does to make sure that these children are in school include enhanced funding seperate from what their peers without disabilities get.
The leadership of the Ministry has expanded the school feeding program to include all the special schools and also special units which have a boarding wing.
“The Ministry considers the special schools and with effect from this year an allocation has been made for infrastructural development will be provided to the schools.” Observed Haga
Director Haga said some of the challenges faced during the week-long sports actions were beyond human control including the unfavorable rainy weather conditions experienced.
He affirmed that any other challenges faced are a learning lesson and have been taken up and will be delt with at relevant levels for special needs learners to enjoy and participate in sports.
John Opiyo, the coordinator primary school special needs sports noted that the term one activities were wonderful and learners will go home happy because they enjoyed.
“The successful activities, good participation and interactions in the conclusion of the games will mark the planning for the next phase for ball games which are scheduled for Kericho in August.” Said Opiyo
Francis Manyala, the National chair Kenya schools sports association for learners with special needs appreciated the Ministry of Education for Facilitating sports for special needs learners.
He reiterated that special needs sports are enshrined in the CBC curriculum as a sustainable career pathway for the sports participants to live dignified lives after completing their education.
By Joseph Kamolo Mutua