Malawi to have K1.5bn special needs institute

Malawi will soon have an institute for Special Needs Education in Lilongwe and government has already allocated 21.6 hectares for the facility.

Deputy director of Special Needs Education David Njaidi said this in Ntchisi on Monday when he opened a training in inclusive education.

He said the institution, with planned 400-bed spaces, would lead to an increase in a number of special needs teachers.

“Construction of the institute will cost around K1.5 billion and is expected to be ready by 2014. Currently, government is working on procurement process and its architectural designs will soon be done.

“A process to identify a contractor is underway. Global Fund and government are financing the project,” he said.

Expatriate volunteer on Special Needs Education Mark Cox said government wants all special needs children to be sent to school.

“We are training teachers, community school management, parents-teacher associations, faith leaders, parents and those involved in ensuring children access education,” Cox said.

He said Malawi has over 83 000 special needs children registered in schools.

“However, over 70 in every 100 special needs children do not access education,” he said.

Traditional Authority Kasakula of Ntchisi welcomed the initiative. He said it will enlighten those who feel embarrassed to send their special needs children to school for fear of public rebuke.