Inside SICDE Project
Most children with disabilities in Karonga are not enrolled into schools, a situation that continues to affect government’s efforts to achieve inclusion in education in the district. According to Karonga District data tabulated by MACOHA, there are 870 children with disabilities in Karonga, of which 312 are girls. Of the total, 460 children are in schools, representing 53%. 212 children are girls and this translates into 63% of the total number of disabled girls, and 46% of the total number of children with disabilities enrolled into different schools.
The above information is from 24 MACOHA branches in Karonga. Our interests are narrowed down to 6 branches which we consider to have challenges requiring immediate attention. The branches are Twambilire with 0%, Chimwemwe with 10%, Mwawi with 12%, Mututule with 20%, Tikolelane with 31% and Chinsebe with 40% of disabled children enrolled into schools. In total, there are 293 children with disabilities from these 6 branches, of which 121 are girls and over 77% are not going to school.
Support for and Integration of Children with Disabilities in Education (SICDE) project promotes awareness about importance of inclusive education and right to education for children with disabilities, builds capacity in teachers and parents on how to manage children with disabilities in schools, devises strategies about how the community can promote education for the disabled children, and develops a conducive environment for disabled learners.
Major Activities
Innovative Device to Help Children with Disabilities Sit Up Light
As part of this initiative, the Mtuli Foundation has developed an innovative solution to help children with disabilities sit up light using locally available materials. The Foundation has taken this solution to local communities, where it has trained parents and caregivers on how to make and use the device to support children with disabilities.
The device is a simple yet effective solution that enables children with disabilities to sit up light and participate in school activities. The device is made from locally available materials, such as bamboo, and can be easily assembled by parents and caregivers. The device is adjustable and can be customized to suit the needs of different children with disabilities, making it a versatile and practical solution.
The Foundation’s approach of engaging local communities and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to support children with disabilities is particularly effective. By involving parents and caregivers in the process, the Foundation is promoting ownership and sustainability of the project, thus ensuring its long-term impact.
The Foundation’s efforts to promote inclusive education and support children with disabilities are commendable. Education is a fundamental right, and every child, regardless of their abilities, should have access to quality education. The SICDE project is an important step towards creating a conducive environment for disabled learners and ensuring that they can access education and achieve their full potential.
The Mtuli Foundation’s innovative solution to help children with disabilities sit up light is an excellent example of how local communities can be empowered to support children with disabilities in schools. The Foundation’s efforts to promote inclusive education and build the capacity of teachers, parents, and the community are commendable and have the potential to transform the lives of children with disabilities. We urge other organizations and individuals to support such initiatives, as they are critical for promoting education and ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Building Capacity for Teachers and Parents
The SICDE project is critical for promoting inclusive education, which is essential for the full participation and integration of children with disabilities in society. Inclusive education ensures that children with disabilities have access to quality education, which is their fundamental right. However, achieving inclusive education is not always easy, as it requires the active involvement of all stakeholders…….
including teachers, parents, and the community.
The Mtuli Foundation has played a vital role in supporting the SICDE project by engaging the local community in civic education and training. The Foundation has equipped community members with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote inclusive education and support disabled learners. Through this initiative, the Foundation has created awareness about the importance of inclusive education and the need to create a conducive environment for disabled learners.
The capacity building for teachers and parents is a crucial aspect of the SICDE project, as it ensures that they are equipped with the necessary skills to manage children with disabilities in schools. The project provides training in special education, which is tailored to the needs of disabled learners. The training enables teachers to provide quality education that is inclusive of all learners, including those with disabilities.
The SICDE project also promotes community involvement in supporting education for disabled children. The project devises strategies that engage the community in promoting inclusive education and supporting disabled learners. Community members are encouraged to participate in school activities and provide support to disabled learners.
The Support for and Integration of Children with Disabilities in Education (SICDE) project is a commendable initiative that promotes inclusive education and the right to education for children with disabilities. The Mtuli Foundation’s engagement in the project has been critical in creating awareness about the importance of inclusive education and equipping teachers and parents with the necessary skills to support disabled learners. We urge other organizations and individuals to support such initiatives, as they are critical for promoting the full participation and integration of disabled learners in society.
Our projects Garry
