Autistic learners get inclusive education at Camphill Trust

All over the world the month of April is used to bring awareness on issues of Autism. This year’s theme is ‘Inclusive Quality Education for all.’ Camphill Community Trust in Otse is one of the places which offer education to Autistic learners locally.

There are five types of Autism translating to primarily five types of teaching methods for Autistic learners. These types of Autism are: Asperger’s syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanner’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. Learners with Autism often need special attention and skilled teachers which many a times they do not get in general education learning classes.

Andreas Groth, Director of Camphill Community Trust states that the school is divided into two sections. The Primary School (Rankoromane) accepts learners between the ages of 3-14 years. They have 56 learners with learning difficulties and related disabilities and around one third of these learners have Autism. The Secondary School (Motse wa Badiri) has over 100 learners and around one fifth of the learners have Autism.

Groth states that the virtual learning was difficult during the pandemic especially for Autistic learners who have communication challenges. Groth indicates that the best way for Autistic learners to learn is when someone is physically there with them. Camphill Community

Trust equips students with life skills that help them become independent in life.

They strive to help learners become people who can make decisions for themselves. Their programs are rooted in helping learners become part of the society hence despite being a boarding facility, their learners go home every second weekend because they must maintain regular contact with their families and home environment. Groth explains that inclusive education in the context of Autistic learners does not mean putting them in general education classes because if care is not taken that environment may be the one that excludes them. This is because if a teacher is not well trained on teaching Autistic children the teacher may not give the student quality education. Moreover, a teacher in a general education classroom may be distracted and may not be able to give an Autistic learner the focus that they need.

“Every child has a right to receive an education service that meets their needs,” Groth explains, adding that inclusive education for all in this context means giving every Autistic learner the tools and attention they need in a school setup. Camphill Community Trust is working closely with schools they coexist with in their community to further raise awareness on issues of children with special needs, breaking stigma and the trust built thereof is helping many learners grow into independent members of the society.