Govt sets sight on disabled friendly schools, curriculum

RETHABILE MOHONO

MASERU – The government launched the Inclusive Education Policy today at Manthabiseng Convention Centre.

Inclusive education is about ensuring access to quality education for all students regardless of their sexual orientation, disability, background, age and colour by effectively meeting their diverse needs in a way that is responsive, accepting, respectful and supportive.

Speaking at the launch, manager special education at the Ministry of Education and Training (MOËT) ’Mapaballo Setlaba, said Inclusive education would address and respond to diverse needs of all learners, through increasing participation in learning cultures and communities and reducing exclusion.

“So far there are only eight integrated primary schools and five special primary schools with infrastructure or which are at least friendly to disabled people which means there is a gap that needs to be filled,” she said.

Education minister Prof Ntoi Rapapa also said Inclusive Education means education for all regardless of age, sex and disabilities.

He disclosed the government of Japan has promised a M260 million grant for construction of disabled people friendly infrastructure in four schools which include Motsekuoa High School, Abia High School, St Catherine’s High School and Mt Royal High School.