Sightsavers International is implementing a project to promote inclusive early learning in 49 community-based childcare centres(CBCC) in Ntcheu District.

Speaking on Tuesday at Nkonde CBCC during a visit by officials from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, the organisation’scountry director Bright Chiwaula said most children with disabilities are not attending classes.

He said: “We are implementing an Inclusive Childhood Development Education Project in the district to enable children with disabilities access basic education.

Kalanda: Government drafting
inclusive education policy

“Our goal is to provide positive early childhood education experience for children with or without disabilities in Ntcheu.”

Chiwaula said Sightsavers has also established communal gardens to grow food crops for CBCCs.

“We have also donated clothes, playing materials and specialised bicycles for ferrying children with disabilities to learning centres,” he said. 

Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare director of child affairs McKnight Kalanda said government is formulatingan inclusive education policy to ensure children with disabilities attain education.

He said: “There are12 000 CBCCs in the country with at least two million children, but there is a shortage of qualified caregivers.

“The inclusive education policy which is at draft stage will allow regular teachers to provide services to all children irrespective of their diverse disabilities.”

Kalanda said when qualified caregivers quit teaching, it affects the delivery of lessons as some centres replace them with untrained personnel.

Ministry of Education deputy director of inclusive education Lucy Magagula said there is need to invest resources in inclusive education by providing adequate training.

One of the caregivers, Lonely Joswa, said the Sightsavers International project has increased enrolment for children with disabilities from 84 in 2020 to 201 in 2022 in the 49 centres.

Sightsavers is implementing the Inclusive Childhood Development Education Project with funding from People’s Postcode Lottery in the district.

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