By Joe Tucker
The Youth and Child Advocacy Network (YACAN) in collaboration with Oxfam Sierra Leone and other Civil Society Organizations, recently presented a position paper to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, calling on government to ensure persons with special needs (Children, Youth, and Young Women) enjoy equal opportunities in the Free Quality Education (FQE) Programme in Sierra Leone.
The position paper was developed after a consultative stakeholder meeting organized by YACAN on Wednesday.
Representatives from institutions working with children, youth and young women during the meeting addressed issues around special needs with a view to identify challenges, opportunities and threats these groups are challenged with that inherently limits their inclusion in the (FQE) Programme.
The representative applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for taking the ambitious step to provide Free Quality Education Programme across the country.
The paper presented to MBSSE recognized education as a powerful instrument of social change, and often initiates upward movement in the social structure, thereby helping to bridge the gap between different sectors of society.
Stakeholders also underscored the fact that Sierra Leone’s educational system has undergone major changes over the years, resulting in several unfulfilled efforts by successive governments to achieve better provision and practices in favour of PSN.
It was also pointed out that over the years the educational system in the country has undergone major challenges and changes that have resulted to the need of scrutiny.
The YACAN and Stakeholders position paper presented views and concerns of representatives of PSN to the GoSL through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education for immediate actions to be taken.
The Free Quality Education Programmes, policy formulation and implementation have discriminated against Persons with Special Needs (PSN) especially those arising from physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, the Paper observed.
The principle of differentiation is of particular importance to PSN, some of whom may require specialised services or support in order to be placed on a basis of equality with others; developing and implementing an inclusive FQE policy; modification of school curriculum and the intrinsic role of stake holders such as communities, parents and special institutions that support PSN, amongst others.
The stakeholders called on GoSL to note the challenges that are continuing to limit the chances of the special needs categories from benefiting from the FQE Programme.
The special needs groups as highlighted by the paper are challenged in that they need to have special facilities such as brail printing material, talking computers (soft ware) and Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) etc.
The paper has underscored the unavailability of inappropriate learning materials for the blind that have deprived them from effective learning.
The paper pointed out existing opportunities which the GoSL should look at to positively harness the potentials of the special needs groups and also potentially add to government’s effort in the Free Quality Education Programme.
The paper has amongst other things recommended that government develops an inclusive FQE policy; followed by an improvement of the learning environment for PSN; improve transportation, subvention and effective monitoring.
The paper was presented formally on behalf of YACAN, CSO platform members and all institutions that participated in the process