Zim Blind Women Trust wants ECD support
THE Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust has recognised the need to extend its support to Early Childhood Development (ECD) level, ensuring visually impaired children have access to quality education from an early age.
While the trust has been actively supporting inclusive education in secondary and tertiary institutions, the organisation identified the need to encourage the enrolment of visually impaired children in ordinary schools, and is providing specialised equipment to 13 children to ensure their successful integration into mainstream education.
Addressing commemorations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Zimbabwe Blind Women Trust director, Jules Daudi, said the identification process was made possible through the assistance of eye units from various hospitals in Harare, as well as records from the Department of Social Welfare.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has also led referrals of visually impaired children, further expanding the reach of their support.
“To ensure their successful integration into mainstream education, we have provided them with specialised equipment that will enable them to learn and participate in all activities, just like any other child,” said Daudi.
Parents and teachers pointed out the need for improved education and understanding of visual impairment to ensure that these children are not left behind.
“Some teachers just write work on the board and it affects their performance in class.
“Other children as well need to be educated about the visually impaired as they neglect them at school because of their condition,” said a mother.
A teacher, Miriam Mutonhodza, said teachers assigned to children with visual impairment need to practice patience and inclusivity in all the activities that they do with other children.
“There is a need to include these children in every activity that is done at school for them not to be left out.
“Teachers need to be patient with them as they require more attention and understanding unlike other children.
“There is also a need for teachers to go an extra mile in ensuring they come up with material that can assist them in making sure these children grasp all the concepts that others are learning,” said Mutonhodza.