Address
SOS Area Opposite Living Waters Church.
Mzuzu, Malawi
P.O Box 540, Mzuzu
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7:30AM - 3:30PM
Saturday: 8AM - 12PM,
Sunday: Closed.
In this article, we would like to tell you about Special Education, its importance and ways it can be provided and supported. Please help us spread this knowledge and do your best to help learners who need special education in your family and neighbourhood..
Special Education refers to specialised instruction and support. It is designed to meet the unique learning needs of learners with challenges concerning learning, communication, language, sensory, emotional or social difficulties, visible or invisible disabilities etc. These children are often referred to as learners with SEN, Special Educational Needs.
Special Education is the practice of educating these learners in a way that accommodates their individual differences, disabilities and special needs. This involves individually planned and systematically monitored teaching procedures, use of adaptive equipment, materials and accessible physical settings.
These interventions help SEN individuals to achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their communities. Without this support, SEN learners will easily struggle to cope, both academically and emotionally, leading to less contentment and less contribution to society.
Special Education is used in both inclusive settings i.e. regular/mainstream schools and in special settings/units i.e. resource centres etc. according to the needs of the child/circumstances.
How do we teach at Hopeview Resource Centre?
Using Special Education at Hopeview, means that we make sure the child learns the fundamentals before we move on. We use diverse teaching methods and modify our instructions and approaches to fit the learner’s needs. We create an orderly and conducive environment and make sure learners understand basic concepts. The children are also exposed to different functional skills such as problem-solving. In addition to reading, writing and mathematics, the children learn independence, practical and vocational skills, sports, music etc. Educational Technology resources are very useful for these children.
How to support parents
Parents of children with SEN often experience overwhelming stress and significant strain in their daily lives, as their children require special attention. Providing support and respite can be a breather for them, giving them a moment to recharge and renew their energy. To support these parents, one can do the following;
- Emotional Support: Offer emotional support and validation to individual families with special needs children.
- Help the parents connect with resources and support groups. In Mzuzu, Hopeview Resource Centre can offer information and emotional support. It is possible that other centres in Mzuzu may provide something similar.
- Practical Support: Offer practical support, such as respite care, meal preparation, or transportation, to help families with children with special needs manage their daily responsibilities. You can make a difference here!
- Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and needs of children/individuals with special needs, and help families navigate the education and healthcare systems.
- Respite Care: Provide respite care services that give families with special needs a break and help them recharge. There is no organized respite care in Mzuzu as yet, but we all need to work towards this. Until then, help your neighbour as best you can.
