Disability sports to be in syllabus
Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) says government has hinted it could streamline I’mPOSSIBLE programme into the schools syllabus as part of promoting disability sports.
The programme, a global initiative being championed by International Paralympic Committee, is currently being implemented in the country’s 30 primary schools on pilot phase.
MPC president James Chiutsi said, for a while, they have been discussing with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on the future of the concept.
“We proposed that the programme be streamlined in the syllabus and government is willing. In principle, they have agreed to consider it during the syllabus review expected in two years,” he said.
Chiutsi was speaking during a demonstration of disability sports which his body organised at Lilongwe Community ground on Saturday.
As part of I’mPOSSIBLE programme, the demonstration attracted schools from sorrounding areas.
Among others, the I’mPOSSIBLE programme encourages schools to be creating conducive environment for children with disabilities to be taking part in the sports of abled children.
“For example, if there is a football match and there players with disabilities, instead of playing the whole 100 metre ground, you can reduce the size to ensure it fits the ability of everyone,” said MPC president James Chiutsi.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology representative during the event Ivy Mthethiwa hailed the programme as a post step in promoting
“The ministry is convinced this programme encourages children with disabilities to be part of the society. This is why we feel it is important to make it part of the syllabus,” Mwethiwa said.
In the meantime, the sponsors of the I’mPOSSIBLE programme Agitos Foundation says it is impressed with Malawi’s commitment towards the project.
“MPC has done an incredible job in raising awareness on Paralympic sports. We have seen children being more inclusive when it comes to undertaking sports,” said the Ciara Cribben, the Foundation’s representative. n
