THE Ministry of education in Mwense District in Luapula province has resolved to open more special units in public schools to ease access to education for children living with disabilities.

ZANIS reports that Mwense District Education Standards Officer (DESO), Martin Phiri has revealed this saying the move is aimed at scaling- up education services to children with special needs in line with the government’s inclusive education policy.

Mr. Phiri said Lukwesa Primary School has since been identified for the establishment of a special unit following the increased number of children with special needs that have already been enrolled and are currently learning alongside other learners.

Mr. Phiri stressed that the education authorities in the district are committed to ensuring that special education is made easily accessible within the communities.

The DESO added that currently, the district has four special units at Nsakaluba Primary and Mwense Secondary schools supplementing Mambilima special school which is offering multiple special education services.

He further called on the government to employ more special education for more enhanced service delivery stating that Mambilima special school only has two teachers specifically trained in special education with the rest being the usual teachers.

“We are hoping that more special teachers will be deployed to help enhance special education in Mwense District which currently has 130 enrolled learners with special needs,” Mr Phiri said.

Mr. Phiri also noted the need to have specialised units for different forms of disabilities as opposed to having multiple conditions being handled by one unit.

He further urged parents and guardians with children with special needs to take them to school for their personal development.

“Some parents fail to release their children especially when it is time for them to go to secondary school. However, schools like Mambilima special schools have qualified teachers who can handle children with special needs,” Mr Phiri said.