To enhance educational opportunities for children with special needs in Tsirang, the education ministry launched a Special Education Needs (SEN) programme in Damphu lower secondary school yesterday.
According to a survey conducted by the education ministry last year, there are 60 students in the dzongkhag who require special assistance. And Damphu LSS alone has at least 20 students with special needs.
A classroom has been identified for such need and the sessions will begin from next year. The dzongkhag will study how they will be able to provide special needs.
“Damphu is centrally located so it will be easier for the parents to bring their children. And in the long run, we do have a central school nearby from which we can provide boarding facility for those students with special needs,” Sangay Chophel, the Chief Dzongkhag Education Officer, said.
As of today, there are 18 Special Education Needs schools in the country. And by the end of the 12th five-year-plan, the education ministry will have 28 schools with such a programme.
“The children who are integrated into the main school system are doing better than studying separately as per the research findings. Also, there are lots of advantages including social interaction,” Sherab Phuntshok, the Chief Program Officer of ECCD and SEN Division, said.
“When there is a social interaction there is no labelling with equal treatment. Experts say that disability is not that they are disabled but the environment they live in is a hurdle for them. It is important to create a conducive environment.”
A two-day orientation on the Inclusive education module is underway for teachers of Damphu LSS.
The UNICEF is supporting the program by providing an assistive device and training the teachers on how to deliver special education services to children with special needs.
Currently, there are over 600 students with special needs across the country.
