Busia MCA roots for equal opportunities for learners with disabilities » Capital News
TESO, Kenya, Apr 5 — Parents in Busia County have been urged to embrace learners with disabilities to unlock their potential in academics and sports.
Speaking at St. Bridget Akoret Special School in Teso South during the launch Western Region Special Schools games, the area MCA Dr. Bonface Erute who graced the occasion as Chief Guest urged parents to give learners with disabilities equal opportunity so as not to disadvantage them with their talents.
Dr. Erute challenged county governments to increase the allocation of funds to support learners in special schools.
“We appreciate the support learners in special schools receive from the national government, however I appeal to the government to increase the capitation per child in these schools to motivate more learners to engage in sporting activities,” noted Erute.
The legislature regretted that some parents still hide their children with disabilities instead of unlocking the potential within them in education and sports.
“I have seen in Europe PWDs being given equal opportunity to represent in all aspects of lives with equal attention and maximum support from the society. However, in Africa the story is different with segregation being evidence in how society and government handle PWDs issues,” he added.
Tackling discrimination
The sentiment was echoed by the County Director for PWDs in Busia Metrine Wamalwa who said most county governments don’t have a budget for PWDs making it difficult for the plights of PWDs to be addressed.
“Children with disabilities and their families constantly experience barriers to the enjoyment of their basic human rights and to their inclusion in society. Their abilities are overlooked, their capacities are underestimated and their needs are given low priority. Yet, the barriers they face are more frequently as a result of the environment in which they live than as a result of their impairment,” said Wamalwa.
According to the Chair of Special School Games, Walter Kwanusu Wawire, the government should increase the number of participants at the national level to increase the level of competition and attract scouts from other elite teams.
“At the moment, the games for special schools only stop at national level yet for learners in other schools go to East Africa and beyond. Let talanta hela not only other groups but all learners,” said Wawire.
According to Stephen Buchwa a teacher at Bungoma High School. The three-day activity will involve students from four counties in the western region participating in athletics, field events, basketball and handball.
In the 100m wheelchair contest, Titus Ouma from Bungoma County won the race followed by Emanuel Wafula from Vihiga county. Kakamega county dominated athletics for both boys and girls.
Busia won 4-3 in the handball boys for hearing-impaired boys while Kakamega drew 2-2 against Bungoma.
The teachers took the opportunity to sensitize the community on the rights of children with disabilities.
About The Author
