Kusini Kwetu

By Vincent Mpepo, OUT

Head of the Department of Social Work and Sociology at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr. Mariana Makuu, has advised the government to employ social work experts in inclusive primary schools to ensure the mental and psychological well-being of children while at school.

The call was made during the donation handover at Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School in Dar es Salaam yesterday which was attended by lecturers from the Open University of Tanzania, Norwegian university lecturers and students, teachers, and pupils from the school.

Dr. Makuu explained that having social work experts experts in these schools would fully assist children with special needs who often lack someone close to understand their needs while at school. She emphasized that the care, supervision, and upbringing of these children face many challenges, hence the need for an adequate number of experts in this field.

“Hiring social work experts will reduce the negative impact on the upbringing and development of these children, thus helping them achieve their educational dreams as normal children,” said Dr. Makuu.

She further emphasized the importance of having social work experts to assist in other aspects related to the upbringing and development of children, especially those with special needs, considering the heavy responsibilities of teachers in implementing the curriculum.

She said a large number of children with special needs in schools face educational challenges due to lack of special attention, thus hindering or limiting their progress in education.

On her part, Marianne Valsvik, a social welfare student from Norway, expressed satisfaction in being part of comforting children with various materials that will aid in their studies, hygiene, and other needs.

“I have learned a lot here in Tanzania about various social issues and how children with special needs live,” said Marianne.

Representing the students from Norway, Karoline Lie said that the assistance includes various materials such as hygiene items, notebooks, pens, first aid kits, chairs, and costs more than nine and a half million Tanzanian shillings.

“Other items include teacher storage cabinets, various play equipment, tanks, basins, and kitchen utensils,” said Karoline.

Tanzania has signed various international agreements on people with disabilities, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989, whereby member states agreed to have laws and regulations to protect the rights of children.