Initiative gives pupils hope for a better future

By Sam Otieno

Things may be looking up for 136-deaf-blind pupils.

Plans to sign a memorandum of agreement between the Government and two International NGOs to revamp special education are at an advanced stage.

The agreement between the Ministry of Education, Sense International and Hilton Perkins will set the stage for advanced training for teachers specialising in deaf-blind ceducation and provide specialised learning materials such as Braille machines.

"It will enable the Government to deploy adequate staff and learning materials to all deaf-blind education units," says Mr Edwin Osundwa, Development Manager of Sense International — Kenya.

Monitor quality

Once implemented, the Government will send out quality assurance inspectors to monitor the quality of education being offered to deaf-blind pupils. Teachers will receive training on changing trends and new technology in the sector to make them more effective.

Osundwa says the organisations are working with the Kenya Institute of Education on a new curriculum for deaf-blind children. The revision is based on a countrywide deaf-blind education survey by Sense International and KIE, which was done through questionnaire and focal group discussions.

Education for deaf-blind students is offered at Kilimani, Maseno and Kwale primary schools. Kabarnet School for the Deaf-blind is the only school that offers education solely for children with the disabilities.

The survey realised there are shortages of teachers and learning materials. And not all the teachers and support staff have the relevant qualification. "Most parents dump their children at the schools and forget about them," says Osundwa.

The curriculum was last revised ten years ago. Also to be equipped are the vocational institutions where deaf-blind children transit to after obtaining basic education.

Currently, there are two vocational institutions for deaf-blind children — Sikri Vocational Institute in Homa Bay for Boys and St Angela Mumias for Girls.

Activists are lobbying the Government to increase allocation of for the education of deaf and blind children. Sense International has facilitated referrals to hospitals and schools, giving many deaf-blind children their first access to professional support.