Omusati in dire need of special needs school

Residents living with disabilities want the government to construct a special needs school in the Omusati region.

Omusati governor Erginus Endjala says people living with disabilities in the region have no public school exclusively for those with special needs, despite there being qualified specialists and teachers in the country.

He was speaking during observation of International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Outapi on Wednesday.

“What exists are only units for such people within public schools and specific schools for such people,” he said.

He noted that the government has only put in place small sections within some public schools to cater for people with special needs instead of a complete institution for them.

Endjala said a centre where all children can learn and interact with one another is needed.

“We want a centre that will cater for every special child and not a specific category, as that [is] discrimination.

“Be it autism, Down syndrome, deaf or blind, all children living with such conditions could all learn at the same institution to help them appreciate one another,” he said.

Speaking on inclusivity, Endjala said there is a need to establish a unique institution housing various experts equipped to care for persons living with multiple disabilities.

Inclusivity has been cited as the most disregarded challenge in the community, with calls for immediate attention to be given to the issue.

The other challenges identified included safety and security, shared prosperity, responsibility and rights.

Rosalia Haidula, a representative from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, said the ministry has put strategies and mechanisms in place to assist people with special needs.

“All people with special needs are entitled to a monthly social grant from the government. However, we have recorded many cases of caregivers misusing such grants, while neglecting them as well.

This is an offence that can lead one to jail. I am, therefore, humbly urging all the caregivers to make use of the money in an appropriate manner,” she added.