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Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent

The Jairos Jiri Naran Centre, a learning school for children with disabilities in Gweru is facing a myriad of operational challenges, a situation which is compromising learning standards.

The parliamentary thematic committee on gender and development which is on a nationwide tour of private and public disability centres recently visited the centre and was appraised on the challenges it is facing.

Teacher in charge at the centre, Mrs Chipo Zano said they lack critical learning aides which are needed by learners with disabilities.

“They need devices to assist them such as hearing aids and speech trainers. Currently the centre is underfunded and we cannot afford to buy new learning aides.”

She highlighted that they survive on support from the Basic Education Assistance module though the disbursement of funds is slow.

“We are currently receiving BEAM grant for 2016, and we are yet to receive for the other years up to now. Each year we are allocated some funds to support our ever growing needs but the disbursement takes long.”

Mrs Zano recommended to the parliamentary committee that there is need for government to offer incentives for special needs teachers.

“We used to get special responsibility allowances but that was scrapped off. It is important to incentivise teachers so that we retain staff. You realise that public institutions for learners with disabilities are currently understaffed as teachers are seeking greener pastures outside the country.”

Gweru Naran Centre provides education from pre-school / Early Childhood development (ECD) up to grade 7 (seven) to children with hearing impairments, including vocational courses in carpentry, tailoring and agriculture. The centre also offers soccer, netball, athletics, volleyball, basketball, drama, percussion and marimba.

It also acts as a resource centre that facilitates the integration of children with hearing impairment in neighbouring regular primary and secondary schools.