First Lady commends school for the blind

First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has commended Montfort Demonstration School for the Blind for complementing government’s efforts in providing education to children with visual impairment despite several challenges facing the institution.

Speaking after touring the institution in Chiradzulu on Saturday, Mutharika said she was impressed with the dedication, commitment and passion of the school’s management in ensuring that children with special needs excel in their education.

“There is a lot of work here and I have seen for myself all the challenges you are facing.  These challenges could have been reason enough for you to get frustrated.

“But I am very happy that you continue to give the children your love and care and providing them with the education they need to become independent citizens in the future. We will try our best to support and motivate you for the love you are giving to these children,” she said.

Mutharika also urged the students not to be discouraged by their disability, but utilise the opportunity they have by taking education seriously so that they become productive citizens in future.

In her remarks, Montfort Demonstration School for the Blind acting principal Lucy Magagula thanked Mutharika for showing interest in the education of children with special needs.

She said among challenges facing the school are limited accommodation and shortage of learning and teaching materials.

“Your visit is a clear demonstration that we are not alone in our efforts. It shows that you are concerned with the challenges we face at this school,” said Magagula.

Chiradzulu Central member of Parliament Mahomed Hanif Osman (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) commended Mutharika for sparing time to visit the school, saying the move was a huge encouragement to the school’s management and learners.

Currently, Montfort Demonstration School for the Blind has 48 learners, 18 girls and 30 boys with various levels of blindness. n