Special Needs School Appeals to Government Make Sign Languages Compulsory

Special needs educationists in Mukono have asked the government to make sign language compulsory in primary and secondary schools.

They (educationists) claim the development will ease communication between the deaf-dumb and the hearing world.

Pupils at Hand In Hand Uganda performing a traditional dance

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Headed by the head teacher of Mukono Municipal Special Needs Education Primary School, Sylivia Nakalema Mukisa, making sign language compulsory will enable a suitable employment space for the deaf-dumb people.

According to Nakalema, their numbers are shooting high, but little interventions have been made to address such an important matter.

“Majority of them are segregated in communities simply because few individuals are able to communicate with them! We teach and train these children to the level of performing better than other children. If communication is made easy among the big populace, suffering for the deaf-blind will reduce.” Nakalema emphasized during the special needs children talents exhibition day.

*Disabled children of the school waiting to go to the stage to perform.*

The School Director Loyce Taaka Odwori asked the government to support special needs schools with infrastructure and equipment for a better conducive environment.

“We urge the government to consider extending support to our school because the majority of our parents abandon children with disabilities at school and looking after them calls for extra support which we struggle to access.” Odwori noted.

*The Headmistress Sylvia Nakalema Mukisa, flanked by the School Director Loyce Taaka Odwor and HIHU Chairman Helge.*

She further highlighted the need to raise the teacher’s salary to the level of science teachers as part of motivation for the extra energy and total commitment.

“We’ve seen the government elevating salaries of Science teachers and we appreciate but still sign language teachers and others dealing with Children with disabilities should as well be considered for a pay rise following their extra ordinary work” Odwori explained.

*HIHU Chairman Helge addressing the gathering, while the Director Odwor interprets. On the left is a sign language interpreter*

Helge Midtjun, the Chairperson Hand in Hand Uganda-HIHU, the school development partner besought parents and guardians to stop segregating children with disabilities for they become responsible citizens especially when given opportunity to study, loved and cared for.

“Please don’t give up on your children because they’re disabled in one way or the other, these are children like others.” Midtjun emphasized.