Mohale FM Despite a call by the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, urging businesses, organizations, communities, and government departments to support underprivileged learners through the Back to School campaign, some schools catering for children with disabilities say they have not received any assistance.
The principal of Thuso e Tla Tsoa Kae School for Children with intellectual and multiple disabilities in the Botha-Bothe district, Ms. Mamonuku Mofilikoane, said their learners require specialized support, as they learn and understand better through visual and tactile methods. She appealed to members of the public, businesses, and organizations to visit the school in person during the Back to School period to better understand the learners’ needs.
The school currently enrolls about 100 learners.
Similarly, the principal of St Paul School for the Deaf in Hlotse, Leribe, Ms. ’Mapotlako Palime Rakoti, said no businesses, organizations, or government departments have approached the school during this campaign. She noted that the school has several needs beyond educational materials, with outdoor lighting being one of the most urgent, given the nature of the learners they serve.
Both principals appealed for schools that cater for children with disabilities to be supported in the same manner as other schools. They emphasized that caring for learners with disabilities is demanding and requires special attention, adequate resources, and appropriate incentives.
