Parents blamed for hiding disabled children

Disabled pupils at Chemwesus Primary School learning from outside. July 31, 2015. Despite the fact that many chgildre in the area leave in abject poverty and most of the pupils at the school are disabled, still their are no enough classes for them - [PHOTO/CHRISPEN SECHERE/STANDARD]

 

Education stakeholders in Mt Elgon sub-county want the government to take action against parents who do not take their disabled children to school.

According to the sub-county Education Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, Musungu Murakwa, some parents opt to hide children with disabilities at home because they are ashamed of them.

"Some parents fail to take their children to school because they believe disabled children do not need education. We want to tell such parents that it is the right of every child to get education," said Mr Murakwa.

Murakwa at the same time asked the county government to construct more special schools in the county to cater for children with disabilities.

CHALLENGING DUTY

"We want all leaders in the county to support us in this endeavour. It is the right of every disabled child to gain access to education, and other skills that will enhance their self-development. The county government should also construct more schools to cater for special education," he said.

However, a spot check by The Standard revealed that some schools offering special education in the sub-county lack teachers and infrastructure.

At Chemweisus Primary School, children living with disabilities are forced to learn under a tree. The school also has only one teacher who takes care of 15 pupils.

Esther Mochomu, the only special unit teacher at the school, says she finds it hard to control her pupils.

"I handle children with all sorts of disabilities. We have those who are mentally handicapped, have hearing problems, slow learners and physically-challenged children. Sometimes this work is tiring," said Ms Mochomu.