By Memory Mudzani
Children with disabilities in Zimbabwe continue to face challenges in accessing education despite it being recognised as a fundamental right for every child.
In an interview, Amor Zimbabwe Trust projects officer Joseph Tsvayi said many children with disabilities were failing to realise their full potential because they were often denied opportunities to access education and participate in community activities.
“Children with disabilities in Zimbabwe are failing to access basic human rights, especially the right to education, while their peers are being educated. This situation makes it difficult for them to realise their full potential,” said Tsvayi.
He said children with disabilities faced discrimination from families, fellow students, teachers and society, adding that some parents were reluctant to send their children to school or expose them to other opportunities.
Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ) co-founder McDonald Munangasa echoed these concerns, saying discrimination against children with disabilities often begins within families and communities.
Munangasa said there was a need for clinics to provide counselling services to parents of children with disabilities to help them understand and accept their children.
“For us to support children with disabilities, we should start from the day a child is born. Clinics should have counsellors who provide guidance to parents of children with disabilities. If parents accept their children, society will also accept them, making it easier for these children to access education,” he said.
He added that teachers should receive training in special needs education so that they are better equipped to support learners with disabilities.
Munangasa also called for the establishment of special needs classes in schools as part of efforts to improve access to education for children with disabilities.
Tsvayi said Amor Zimbabwe Trust was raising awareness on the rights of children with disabilities and educating parents on the importance of sending children with disabilities to school.
He said the organisation was working to promote inclusive education and ensure children with disabilities have opportunities to develop their abilities.
