Shaba Urges Parents to Stop Hiding Children with Disabilities

By Blessings Kaunda……

Northern Education Division Inclusion and Education Coordinator, Nathaniel Shaba, has called on parents to stop hiding children with disabilities, emphasizing that doing so violates their right to education.

Speaking on Friday at St. Andrews Hall in Mzuzu, Shaba stressed that schools have well-trained teachers equipped to support children with various disabilities.

“Education is a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their abilities. Keeping children with disabilities away from school denies them opportunities and limits their future prospects,” Shaba said.

He highlighted the government’s efforts in establishing special schools to cater to the needs of children with disabilities.

“I am pleased to have learned that people with disabilities face additional costs. This is a crucial issue that must be addressed within the education sector,” he added.

Shaba also urged increased civic education across all government sectors to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. He noted that individuals with disabilities require additional financial support due to their specialized needs.

Joshua Mwalilino, Operations Supervisor for the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), stated that NEEF provides collateral-free loans to people with disabilities to help address their financial challenges.

“We ensure that people with disabilities have access to financial support, including loans that don’t require collateral. These loans help alleviate financial burdens, including extra costs associated with their needs,” Mwalilino explained.

Lupaso Ward Councillor, Mhlanga, acknowledged complaints from people with disabilities about insufficient government support. He emphasized the need for prioritizing them in social welfare programs.

“Many individuals with disabilities have expressed concerns about the lack of government support. This meeting has been instrumental in understanding their challenges and how we can assist,” Mhlanga said.

He stressed the importance of prioritizing people with disabilities in resource distribution, including social cash transfers and relief programs.

Mary Gwaza, Secretary for the Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO), highlighted the high cost of living for people with disabilities.

“Our daily lives are expensive due to our needs, such as crutches, hearing aids, and wheelchairs. The government should consider these additional costs,” Gwaza said.